(Ed. Note: Welcome to the Puck Daddy 2013 summer project, the National Hockey League of Nations. We’ve recruited 30 writers/blogs to identify the best player in their favorite team’s history for each major nationality that creates the fabric of our beloved NHL: Canada, USA, Russia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden, Finland and The Rest of The World. It’s their criteria, as long as they can justify it. Read, debate and enjoy! If you want to do so on Twitter, it's #NHLoN.)

By The Bloggers of Blackhawk Up



Canada: Bobby Hull



Bobby Hull isn't just a perfect example of a hockey player, but also a Chicago Blackhawk, and above all, a Canadian.

Born in Ontario, Bobby didn't blow people out of the water with sheer talent, but when he coupled it with an incredible work ethic, a legend was born. Instead of lifting weights in the gym, he helped out on the farm, a workout like no other. The accolades were massive for such a humble man: 11-time all-star. Stanley Cup champion, 2-time MVP, Most Gentlemanly Player.

As a Blackhawk, Hull is considered the greatest of all time. Joining the team in 1957 at the age of 18, Hull began a 14- season journey that saw him become the league's preeminent superstar. He brought Chicago a Stanley Cup, led the league in scoring in just his third season and became the first player to score over 50 goals in a season. He left the Blackhawks as their leading scorer, and his mark will be forever left among the Blackhawks faithful as a statue of the legend was erected in 2011 outside the United Center.

Hull is among the best in the game's history. As the game changes, the legend of the 'Golden Jet' reminds us all of the way hockey used to be and just how exceptional of a player he was. –Skylar Peters

Finland: Antti Niemi



The Blackhawks may not have been known for their Finns, but they seem to have found a few Finnish net minders in recent history worth noting. Antti Niemi beats out forwards Christian and Tuomo Ruutu for top Finn in Hawks history.

His value became apparent when he took over as starter for Cristobal Huet. This change occurred after Huet got lit up by the Columbus Blue Jackets to the tune of 8-3. Niemi was undervalued at the time, and no one knew what his ceiling was as a player. Niemi may not have recorded the most mind boggling numbers in his brief stint as a Blackhawk, but he did backstop the Hawks to their first cup in 49 years. He ended that year with .912 SV% and a 2.25 GAA for the regular season, and .910 SV% and a 2.63 GAA for the playoffs.

Though, to be fair to Niemi, the Hawks were definitely not as defensively focused as they were for 2013.

One of his most impressive characteristics was his calm demeanor; he never let the pressure get to him. He ran with the opportunity as a starter, and when he struggled, he came out strong the next game.

Sure, his ending with the Hawks was a little sour, but he too was a victim of the cap purge. His continued success in San Jose is bittersweet, but he brought Chicago a long overdue cup. Niemi has solidified his position in Hawks history. –Joe Kremel

USA: Jeremy Roenick



How wonderful would it have been if Jeremy Roenick had spent his entire career in a Hawks sweater? We’ll never know the answer to that question, and it is very sad that it even has to be asked in the first place. Roenick burst onto the NHL scene in 1988 as a late season call-up for the Blackhawks.

It didn’t take long for “J.R” to start lighting the lamp at a regular pace, as well as play a young leadership role. Roenick’s meteoric rise represents a sort of changing of the guard for the Hawks. The players that represented the 1980s era for the Hawks were entering the twilights of their careers and being shipped out to other teams. For example, Denis Savard, who was traded to Montreal for Chris Chelios. The Hawks’ stars of the 1980s were on their way out while a bright looking new era appeared to be on the horizon in the 90s with players like Roenick leading the way.

However, things in the NHL hardly ever go the way of a Hollywood script. On Aug. 16, 1996, after progressing over 8 seasons to become an elite player in the NHL, Jeremy Roenick was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes for Alexei Zhamnov and Craig Mills. Sadly, Roenick was one the many victims of the Bill Wirtz/Bob Pulford “budget-play” that would bring about the Dark Ages of Chicago Blackhawks hockey.

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