Mario Lemieux was born on 5 October 1965, in Montreal, Quebec. He began his NHL career in 1983, when he was the first draft pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins. In January 1993 he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease, but continued to play, taking off only the 1994-95 season to deal with a persistent back injury. He retired following the 1996-97 season and that November was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, which waved the three-year waiting period. He subsequently became part owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins when the team faced bankruptcy, and returned from retirement to the ice on 27 December 2000. He continues to play for the Penguins today.
More information