| One of the greatest defenseman in NHL history, Ray Bourque made his international debut at the 1981 Canada Cup. Canada was crushed 8-1 by the Soviet Union in the championship game that year. Bourque was back at the Canada Cup in 1984 when Team Canada defeated Sweden in the finals to regain its title. In 1987, Bourque's eight points (two goals and six assists) ranked sixth overall and first among defenseman as Canada again won the Canada Cup, this time defeating the Soviets in a thrilling three-game final. His exploits that year earned him a selection to the tournament All-Star Team. In 1991, Bourque turned down an invitation to play in yet another Canada Cup tournament, as he would with the World Cup of Hockey in 1996 when he stated that he preferred to spend the time with his family. In 1998, Bourque returned to international competition when he took part in the Olympic Games at Nagano.Ray Bourque retired after winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche during the 2000-01 season. He was inducted into the player's category of the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004. |
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