Mario Lemieux

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Mario Lemieux was born in Montreal to Pierrette, and Jean-Guy Lemieux. Pierrette was a stay-at-home mom and his father, Jean-Guy Lemieux, was an engineer. Mario Lemieux had two brothers in his family, Alain and Richard. Mario and his brothers used wooden kitchen spoons as hockey sticks and bottle caps as pucks. His father also created a rink on the front lawn so that they could practice as much as possible. 

At the beginning of Lemieux's career, the Penguins were in financial trouble and there were rumors of relocation. "The team had declared bankruptcy after the 1974-75 season, and by 1983, they were averaging fewer than 7,000 fans per game."  (Fanpal.com)

Lemieux's first game was against the Boston Bruins on October, 1984. On his first shift he stole the puck from defensemen Ray Bourque , he then shot his first shot, and he scored. He then played in the All-Star Game and was named the MVP. He became the first rookie to be named the Most Valuable Player. 

After he got cancer in 1992 he was never as good as he was. He came back and then got cancer again. He decided to retire, but later came back and played for a couple more years. Then he officially retired ending his NHL career. 

Mario Lemieux is truly a hero because he founded the Mario Lemieux Foundation, which supports research for Hodgkin's lymphoma. He also supports charitable programs. If you are reading this, Mr. Lemieux, I was the one who sent you the hockey card that I wanted autographed.  Thanks Lemieux for all your encouragement! 

Romans 12:8 "If it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." This verse applies to Mario Lemieux because he always encourages people and helps them in their life.