Gary 7 Roberts

He is a tough, strong and smart hockey player. He has played with the Toronto Maple Leafs for four years. He has had two serious shoulder surgeries and one serious neck surgery. But he has battled through the worst and even came back from a retirement caused by his neck injury. He won the Stanley Cup in Calgary with his best friend Joe and his idol Lanny Macdonald. Still don't know who he is? My hero is Gary Roberts because he is a tough, strong, smart player, who in my mind is one of the best all-around players in the NHL.

Gary was born May 23, 1966 in North York Ontario. He played his minor hockey with Joe Niewendyke in Whitby and Oshawa minor hockey programs. Gary and Joe even played lacrosse together up until 15. Gary and Joe went to different junior teams though. Gary joined the Ottawa 67's(from the OHL). After a successful first year as a junior he won the Memorial Cup in his second year. After a few years with the 67's, Roberts joined the Guelph Platers where he won his second Memorial Cup. Gary played his first year of pro with the Calgary Flames. One year later his old buddy Joe Niewendyke joined the team. From that year on, he was known as a strong and tough player who went to the net. In scoring his very first goal, he put himself and the puck behind the line. Robert's second full year with the Flames was probably his best. In that year he won the cup and scored 53 goals. Now Gary lives in Toronto and plays with the Leafs.

He is my hero because he and I have a lot in common. We both have asthma so we both have trouble breathing when playing hockey. Next Year I am hoping to go to his hockey camp for kids with asthma. We both play left wing and are assistant captain. Me and Gary are both number 7 and we both have been that number for the majority of our hockey careers. We are both smart dedicated hockey players. When I grow up I would love to meet and know Gary Roberts.

I think Gary is one of the NHL's best all-around players. He completed 344 checks in the 2003-2004 season, and he is one of the toughest guys in the league. Last year he was one of the top scorers on the Leafs with 28 goals, 20 assists for 48 points, one of the best on his team. He can score during important times as 7 of his 28 goals were game winners. That's why I think Gary Roberts is one of the NHL's best all-around players.

He has inspired me to play hockey and golf. He has showed me that even if you get seriously injured, you can still come back and play hockey. He has proven that he is as good as new even after he had shoulder injuries and a neck injury. He has helped kids that are injured to give them hope. He has inspired many kids to play hockey.

As you can see my hero is the tough, strong and smart Gary Roberts. In my mind, he is one of the best all-around players in the NHL. He is an inspiration on and off the ice. That's why my hero is Toronto Maple Leaf Gary Roberts.