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Yvan Cournoyer

Yvan Cournoyer is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger best known for his 16-season career with the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Yvan Cournoyer is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger best known for his 16-season career with the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League. Nicknamed “The Roadrunner” for his speed, he won 10 Stanley Cups as a player, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982, and was named one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players in 2017.

Early life

Cournoyer was born in Drummondville, Quebec, on November 22, 1943. He developed a reputation for speed early in his hockey career.

NHL career

He played right wing for the Montreal Canadiens from 1963 to 1978. During that span, he became one of the team’s most successful players and one of the most decorated winners in NHL history.

Championship success

Cournoyer won 10 Stanley Cups with Montreal, tying Jean Béliveau for the second-most by a player and trailing only Henri Richard. He also served as Canadiens captain late in his career.

Recognition and legacy

He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982 and later named among the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players in 2017. His No. 12 was retired by the Canadiens.

Key facts

  • Played his entire NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens.
  • Won 10 Stanley Cup championships as a player.
  • Was known for exceptional speed and low stature, which earned him the nickname “The Roadrunner.”
  • Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982.
  • Was named one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players in 2017.
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Canadian context

Cournoyer is strongly connected to Canadian hockey history as a Quebec-born player and a central figure in the Montreal Canadiens’ dynasty, one of the most successful eras in NHL history.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Yvan Cournoyer?
Yvan Cournoyer is a Canadian former NHL right winger who spent his entire career with the Montreal Canadiens and won 10 Stanley Cups.
Why was he called “The Roadrunner”?
He was nicknamed “The Roadrunner” because of his exceptional speed on the ice.
How many Stanley Cups did Yvan Cournoyer win?
He won 10 Stanley Cups as a player with the Montreal Canadiens.
When was Yvan Cournoyer inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?
He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982.
What position did Yvan Cournoyer play?
He played right wing.
What team did Yvan Cournoyer play for?
He played for the Montreal Canadiens throughout his NHL career.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yvan_Cournoyer
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nickname, NHL team, career span, Stanley Cup count, Hall of Fame induction, 100 Greatest Players mention.
  2. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/news/yvan-cournoyer-100-greatest-nhl-hockey-players-285563864
    Supports: Career statistics, Stanley Cup total, and recognition as one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players.
  3. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/news/canadiens-yvan-cournoyer-savour-every-moment-332444084
    Supports: Captaincy, jersey retirement, and career context.
  4. Panthéon des sports du Québec — https://www.pantheondessports.ca/temple_details.php?id=12
    Supports: Birthplace, speed-based nickname, and Quebec sports recognition.