Mario Lemieux is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. He played for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL) for 17 seasons between 1984 and
1. Off the ice, Lemieux is a devoted family man. He is married to Nathalie Asselin, a former figure skater from Montreal, whom he met at a charity golf tournament in
2. The couple has four children, Lauren, Stephanie, Austin, and Alexa. Lemieux is a passionate philanthropist. He established the Mario Lemieux Foundation in 1993 to raise funds for cancer research and other charities that benefit children. In 1998, Lemieux opened the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He is also a recipient of the Order of Canada, the highest civilian honor in his home country. In 2012, Lemieux was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and again in 2017 when he was named one of the ‘100 Greatest NHL Players’ in history. Lemieux is also the owner, manager and chairman of the Pittsburgh Penguins, a position he has held since
3. Despite being a successful businessman and philanthropist, Lemieux’s focus remains his family. He is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoys cheering on his grandchildren from the sidelines of their various sporting events. Mario Lemieux is truly an incredible man both on and off the ice. His commitment to his family and philanthropic work are a testament to his character and legacy.
Mario Lemieux’s influence on youth hockey in Pittsburgh is undeniable. He is a living legend and an icon in the city and beyond. From the moment he was drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1984, he has been a source of inspiration and motivation for young hockey players in the area. Since his arrival, Lemieux has had a significant impact on the growth of hockey in Pittsburgh. He was the driving force behind the construction of the Penguins’ new home, the PPG Paints Arena, and the creation of the Mario Lemieux Foundation, which provides support for those affected by cancer and other illnesses.
