The hardest and fastest slapshots in NHL history are feats of strength and skill that have captivated fans and players alike. These shots are created by a player’s power, technique, and stick flex.
While the exact speed and power of these shots can be challenging to measure, they are known to reach speeds of over 100 mph and generate incredible force upon impact. The players who consistently produce these shots are often highly regarded for their ability to change the game with a single shot.
Here are 10 of the fastest/hardest slap shots in NFL history.
10. Sheldon Souray
Slap Shot Speed: 104.6 miles per hour
Birthday: July 13, 1976
Birthplace: Elk Point, Canada
Pro Career Started: 1999
photo source: s.hdnux.com
Sheldon Souray is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman who played in the NHL from 1999 to 2013 for six different teams: the New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, and New Jersey Devils (again).
He was known for his hard shot and offensive abilities and was one of the top-scoring defensemen in the NHL at various points in his career. Souray retired from the NHL in 2013 and is now a pro scout for the Minnesota Wild.
Did You Know:
Souray was a three-time All-Star and won the hardest shot competition at the NHL All-Star Skills Competition in 2009 when he recorded a shot speed of 104.6 mph
9. Albert Anthony Iafrate
Slap Shot Speed: 105.2 miles per hour Birthday: March 21, 1966 Birthplace: Michigan, USA Pro Career Started: 1984
photo source: thepostgame.com
Al Iafrate is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman who played in the NHL from 1984 to 1998. He was a first-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft and went on to play for the Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins, and San Jose Sharks.
Iafrate was known for his offensive abilities and hard shot, and he was one of the first players to break the 100 mph barrier with his slap shot regularly.
Did You Know:
Iafrate was a four-time All-Star and won the hardest shot competition at the NHL All-Star Skills Competition three times. He finished his career with 152 goals and 515 points in 799 games.
8. Dave Michael Manson
Slap Shot Speed: 106.5 miles per hour Birthday: January 27, 1967 Birthplace: Saskatchewan, Canada Pro Career Started: 1988
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Manson participated in the Western Hockey League as a junior hockey player for his hometown Prince Albert Raiders. In the 1985 NHL Entry Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks selected him with the 11th overall pick, and he signed on with the group a year later.
He also played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, and Phoenix Coyotes. With 390 points and 2792 penalty minutes in 1103 NHL games, he announced his retirement in 2002.
Did You Know:
From 2002 to 2009, Manson served as an assistant coach for the Prince Albert Raiders before briefly quitting to become head coach of the Prince Albert Mintos. However, before the start of the 2011–12 WHL season, he returned to his position and remained until 2018.
7. Dustin Byfuglien
Slap Shot Speed: 106.6 miles per hour Birthday: March 27, 1985 Birthplace: Minnesota, USA Pro Career Started: 2003
photo source: cms.nhl.bamgrid.com
Dustin Byfuglien is a professional ice hockey defenseman and forward currently playing for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was initially drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and played for the Winnipeg Jets.
Byfuglien is known for his physical play and offensive abilities and has been one of the top-scoring defensemen in the NHL at various points in his career.
He has been named to the NHL All-Star team six times and has won the Stanley Cup twice, with the Blackhawks in 2010 and the Jets in 2018. Byfuglien is also known for his hard shot, and he has been clocked at over 102 mph with his slap shot.
Did You Know:
Byfuglien is one of the tallest and heaviest players in NHL history, standing at 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm) and weighing 260 pounds (118 kg)
6. Ryane Clowe
Slap Shot Speed: 107.2 miles per hour Birthday: September 30, 1982 Birthplace: Newfoundland, Canada Pro Career Started: 2001
photo source: cdn.vox-cdn.com
Ryane Clowe is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player who played in the NHL from 2005 to 2015 for the San Jose Sharks, New York Rangers, and New Jersey Devils. He was known for his physical play and ability to contribute offensively, and he finished his career with 101 goals and 275 points in 525 games.
Clowe was a fan favorite in San Jose and was known for his rugged, physical style of play. He was also known for his leadership abilities and served as an alternate captain for the Sharks and the Rangers. Clowe retired from the NHL in 2015 due to concussion-related issues.
Did You Know:
Clowe became an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Kings. He has also worked as a scout for the Montreal Canadiens.
5. Michel Goulet
Slap Shot Speed: 107.3 miles per hour Birthday: April 21, 1960 Birthplace: Péribonka, Canada Pro Career Started: 1978
photo source: s3951.pcdn.co
Michel Goulet is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player who played in the NHL from 1979 to 1994. He was a first-round pick of the Quebec Nordiques in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft and went on to have a successful career, scoring over 500 goals and 1,000 points in the NHL.
Goulet was known for his goal-scoring ability and was one of the top scorers of his era. He was a nine-time All-Star and won the Lady Byng Trophy, awarded to the player who best exemplifies sportsmanship, in 1985.
Did You Know:
Michel Goulet was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1998.
4. Joe Sakic
Slap Shot Speed: 108.5 miles per hour Birthday: July 7, 1969 Birthplace: Vancouver, Canada Pro Career Started: 1988
photo source: nhl.nbcsports.com
Joe Sakic is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player widely considered one of the greatest players in NHL history. He played his entire career for the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche franchise from 1988 to 2009 and is the all-time leading scorer in the history of the Avalanche.
Sakic was a skilled playmaker and goal-scorer known for his leadership abilities. He was a 13-time All-Star and won numerous awards and accolades during his career, including the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player in 2001 and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1996 and 2001.
Did You Know:
After retiring from the NHL, Joe Sakic became the executive vice president of hockey operations for the Colorado Avalanche. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012.
3. Shea Weber
Slap Shot Speed: 108.5 miles per hour Birthday: August 14, 1985 Birthplace: Sicamous, Canada Pro Career Started: 2003
photo source: nhl.bamgrid.com
Shea Weber is a professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was originally drafted by the Nashville Predators in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and played for the team until 2016, when he was traded to the Canadiens.
Weber is known for his physical play and hard shot and has been one of the top-scoring defensemen in the NHL at various points in his career.
Did You Know:
Weber has been named to the NHL All-Star team six times and has won the Mark Messier Leadership Award. Weber has represented Canada in several international tournaments, including the Olympics, and won gold medals at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.
2. Zdeno Chara
Slap Shot Speed: 108.8 miles per hour Birthday: March 18, 1977 Birthplace: Trenčín, Slovakia Pro Career Started: 1995
photo source: nhl.bamgrid.com
Zdeno Chara is a professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was originally drafted by the New York Islanders in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft and played for the Ottawa Senators and the Boston Bruins.
Chara is known for his physical play and hard shot and has been one of the top defensemen in the NHL for many years. He has been named to the NHL All-Star team eight times and has won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman.
Chara holds the NHL record for the hardest shot, with a shot speed of 108.8 mph recorded at the 2012 NHL All-Star Skills Competition.
Did You Know:
Chara has also represented Slovakia in several international tournaments, including the Olympics, and has won numerous medals at the IIHF World Championships.
1. Bobby Hull
Slap Shot Speed: 118 miles per hour Birthday: January 3, 1939 Birthplace: Ontario, Canada Pro Career Started: 1957
photo source: nhl.bamgrid.com
Bobby Hull or Robert Marvin Hull holds the fastest (and hardest) slapshot in history with 118 mph. Hull is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player considered one of the greatest players in NHL history. He played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Winnipeg Jets, and Hartford Whalers during his career, which spanned from 1957 to 1980.
Hull was known for his powerful and accurate shots and was one of the first players to use a curved blade, which helped him get more power and accuracy on his shots.
Did You Know:
Hull was a 10-time All-Star and won the Hart Trophy twice as the NHL’s most valuable player. Hull was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983 and is considered one of the pioneers of modern hockey.