Who tops the list when it comes to the Vancouver defenceman’s all-time favourite player? Sbisa’s picks include three defenceman, two Swedes, a Finn, and a tie for fourth spot.
Less than two weeks before he turns 27, Sbisa, born Italy, but raised in Switzerland, offered up a handful of his favourite childhood hockey idols, including one of the game’s hardest-hitting blueliners off all time.
My Top 5: Luca Sbisa
1. Mats Sundin (Centreman)
“He was my favourite player growing up and I liked the Leafs. I played centre sometimes when I was younger.”
2. Nicklas Lidstrom (Defenceman)
Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, four-time Stanley Cup winner, seven-time James Norris Memorial Trophy recipient, and one-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner.
3. Scott Niedermayer(Defenceman)
Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, four-time Stanley Cup winner, James Norris Trophy honouree, and Conn Smythe recipient.
4. Paul Kariya (Left winger)
Two-time Lady Byng Trophy winner, Olympic gold medalist, World Junior Championship and World Championship gold medal winner.
Teemu Selanne (Right winger)
Stanley Cup champion, Calder Memorial Trophy recipient, Maurice “Rocket” Richard winner, and Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy honouree.
“The Mighty Ducks were my favourite team next to the Leafs.”
5. Scott Stevens (Defenceman)
Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, three-time Stanley Cup champion, and Conn Smythe Trophy honouree.
