Dream Big, Skate Hard: 12 Greatest Hispanic Hockey Players

Scott Gomez is indeed a prominent figure when discussing Hispanic players in NHL history.

 He is the first Latino player to win the Stanley Cup, and twice with the New Jersey Devils in 2000 and 2003.

Gomez won the prestigious Calder Trophy for rookie of the year in 1999-2000 and played in two All-Star Games. 

Over his 16-year career, Gomez amassed 181 goals and 575 assists, placing him among the top in career points among Hispanic players.

Known for his exceptional vision and passing skills, Gomez was a highly sought-after offensive force throughout his career.

Auston Matthews is the reigning superstar of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the current face of Hispanic excellence in hockey.

Drafted first overall in 2016, he's lived up to the hype and become one of the most exciting and talented players in the NHL.

In just eight seasons, he's already amassed over 329 goals, including a league-leading 60 goals in the 2021-22 season, the most by an American-born player ever.

In 2022, Matthews was awarded the prestigious Hart Trophy, recognizing him as the NHL's Most Valuable Player. 

His electrifying moves and incredible skill leave fans in awe and opponents scrambling.

The 26-year-old American-born center for the Toronto Maple Leafs is not just a hockey player; he's a phenomenon.

Bill Guerin is a well-known name in the world of hockey and a star forward in the NHL. 

Guerin played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), scoring over 400 goals and winning two Stanley Cups with the New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Bill also played for the Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks, and New York Islanders.

He was the first player of Hispanic descent to play in the NHL, paving the way for future generations of players.

Guerin also represented the United States in three Olympic Games and two World Championships. He is a member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

He was a four-time All-Star and finished his career with 429 goals and 427 assists in 1263 games.

Al Montoya certainly deserves mention when discussing Hispanic excellence in NHL history.

Montoya was the starting goalie for the Phoenix Coyotes when they reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2012.

Montoya established himself as a dependable goaltender, playing for multiple teams and racking up over 400 games in the NHL.

AI stands as a significant figure in NHL history, both for his on-ice accomplishments and his off-ice advocacy.

Montoya played 168 NHL games between the Coyotes, Islanders, Jets, Panthers, Canadiens, and Oilers.

Max Pacioretty is considered one of the prominent Hispanic players in the NHL.

While his heritage is complex and multifaceted, his Mexican and Haitian roots have made him a valuable figure in representing diverse backgrounds within the league.

He's known for his adaptability, playing different positions, and leading by example with a strong work ethic.

Pacioretty has established himself as a consistent goal-scorer throughout his career, surpassing the 300-goal mark and reaching the Stanley Cup Finals with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2018.

His talent, leadership, and commitment to diversity make him a role model for aspiring athletes and a valuable contributor to the league's evolving cultural landscape.

Raffi Torres was a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played for various teams in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Torres was a physical forward known for his hard hits and aggressive play. He was also known for his suspensions for illegal hits to the head.

He spent seven seasons with the Oilers. He was a key contributor to the Oilers' playoff runs in 2006 and 2007.

In 2015, he was suspended for 41 games for a hit to the head of Jakob Silfverberg of the Anaheim Ducks.

Torres retired from the NHL in 2016. He was a talented player who contributed to several teams but was also a dangerous player who put other players at risk.

Alec Martinez is an American professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Martinez boasts Stanley Cup wins with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012 and 2014, and most recently with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023.

He scored the game-winning overtime goals in both the 2014 Western Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Finals.

He's known for his well-rounded skillset, combining offensive power with strong defensive play.

Martinez has amassed respectable offensive numbers throughout his career. He has over 180 points in over 780 games played.

Even at 36 years old, Martinez remains a vital part of the Vegas Golden Knights' defensive core.

Matt Nieto is an American professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the second round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, he made his NHL debut in 2013.

Nieto spent the majority of his career with the San Jose Sharks, playing for them from 2013 to 2020 and again from 2020 to 2023.

He also had stints with the Colorado Avalanche (2016-2017 and 2022-2023) and the Pittsburgh Penguins (since 2023).

He's a valuable penalty killer and known for his ability to disrupt opposing plays. Nieto has played in a total of 673 NHL games, recording 117 goals and 203 assists.

He's undoubtedly one of the most accomplished and fascinating figures in NHL history.

A two-time NHL All-Star (2004 and 2007), Luongo consistently demonstrated elite goaltending abilities, saving countless pucks with his signature acrobatic style.

In 2000, Luongo became a legend in Vancouver, backstopping the Canucks to the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals.

He ranks fourth all-time in career wins (489) and third in games played (1044), solidifying his place among the greats.

Luongo's name remains prominently etched in Vancouver Canucks history. 

His iconic "Luongo salute" after big saves still sends chills down the spines of fans and serves as a reminder of his electrifying on-ice presence.

Rhett Rakhshani is an American former professional ice hockey player. He was selected by the New York Islanders in the fourth round (100th overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. 

Rakhshani began his NHL career with the New York Islanders in the 2010-11 season.

He played with the Islanders for two seasons but was let go by the team after the 2012-13 season.

He then played in the Swedish league with Växjö Lakers.

Rakhshani retired from his playing career after the 2019-20 season. He played a total of 7 NHL games and 428 SHL games with 112 goals and 170 assists. 

Raphael Diaz is a Swiss professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Arizona Coyotes in the National Hockey League (NHL).

He joined the Montreal Canadiens at age 25.

He played for teams like the Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, and Edmonton Oilers throughout his career.

Diaz's career regular-season totals included eight goals and 41 assists in 201 games.

His accolades include 2010 Stanley Cup Finalist with the Montreal Canadiens, World Championship Silver Medalist in 2013, Spengler Cup Champion in 2012, 2015, and 2016 (Team Switzerland), and the Swiss League Champion: in 2006 (EV Zug).

Gilbert Perreault is a pioneer Hispanic hockey player drafted first overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1967 NHL Draft.

He made an immediate impact in the NHL, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year in 1968.

Perreault went on to have a stellar 17-year career in the NHL, all with the Sabres.

He is the Sabres' all-time leading scorer with 518 goals and 814 points was a five-time NHL All-Star and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985.

Gilbert was a key member of the Sabres team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1975, where they lost to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Perreault was known for his electrifying skating and offensive flair. He was a gifted goal-scorer and playmaker, and he was also a very good defensive player.