6 NHL Players That Are Impossible to Hate

Even in a sport where there's so much violence and intensity displayed each game, there are many NHL players that are hard to hate.

These guys play the game the right way, they act professionally on and off the ice and they help out in their community.

Let's look at six NHL players that are impossible to hate.

Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames

Calgary Flames forward Jarome Iginla isn't just loved and respected by his own fans, he is well-liked by hockey fans everywhere. I think even Edmonton Oilers fans, even though it may be hard for them to admit, respect him too.

Iginla has played on some winning teams in Calgary, but none of his teams have been able to win the Stanley Cup, and over the past three years, his teams have failed to find a way to earn a playoff berth.

Despite his lack of team success, Iginla's attitude has remained professional and his on-ice performance is still impressive (11 straight seasons of 30-plus goals).

Iginla's loyalty and professionalism in an age where many stars of his caliber pout and complain when their teams don't have playoff success makes him impossible to hate, regardless of which team you cheer for.

Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins

Players around the NHL have a lot of respect for Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron, and when you watch him play, it's easy to understand why.

He plays a solid two-way game, and plays hard and clean at the same time. Bergeron's leadership and professionalism is also quite impressive.

After he worked so hard to come back to the NHL following a serious concussion suffered in 2007, it's nice to see Bergeron enjoying a lot of success over the past few years, including a Stanley Cup championship in 2011 and winning the Frank J. Selke Trophy in June.

Every team needs a player like Bergeron who has very few weaknesses, displays great leadership and plays the game professionally. 

It's hard to find someone who has bad things to say about Bergeron.

Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa Senators

Just like Iginla, one player who deserves to win a Stanley Cup before he retires is Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson.

Alfredsson is one of the best captains in the NHL, and during the All-Star Game last year in Ottawa we saw how much respect the entire league has for the 39-year-old veteran.

Not only is Alfredsson a professional on the ice (proven by multiple Lady Byng trophy nominations among other things), he is a respectful person away from the rink as well. Alfredsson also won the 2012 King Clancy Award for being a leader on the ice and in the community.

Fans around the world are hoping that Alfredsson does not retire because of the lockout, and instead decides to play one more year whether or not the work stoppage cancels the 2012-13 season.

Although, Toronto Maple Leafs fans will probably find a few reasons to dislike Alfredsson.

Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings forward is the best two-way player in the NHL, and also plays with an incredibly high level of sportsmanship.

Pavel Datsyuk won four straight Lady Byng from 2006-09, and it would be challenging to find an NHL player who doesn't have a ton of respect for his performance on the ice and the way he plays the game.

Instead of choosing one of his teammates, Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara actually picked Datsyuk with his first pick at the 2012 All-Star Draft. That's how much respect he has for the Red Wings star.

Datsyuk is one of the best players of the last decade, and is someone all young hockey players should model their game after.

Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

Martin St. Louis is only 5'8", but that hasn't prevented him from being one of the best goal scorers of the last decade.

He has scored 25 or more goals in nine straight seasons, and was part of the Lightning team that won the Stanley Cup in 2004.

Not only is St. Louis a productive and classy player on the ice, he's very likable off it. He's won two Lady Byng Trophies (2010, 2011) because of the high level of sportsmanship he brings to each game.

The 38-year-old forward is a fan favorite in Tampa Bay and someone who is respected by NHL fans, players and the media.

Teemu Selanne, Anaheim Ducks

Since he scored a rookie record 76 goals during the 1992-93 season with the Winnipeg Jets, Teemu Selanne has been a fan favorite for many NHL fans around the world.

The 41-year-old forward is a gentleman on and off the ice, and is one of the best offensive players of our generation.

Selanne's ability to play at a high level despite his age also makes him more likable among fans, and he actually led the Anaheim Ducks in scoring last year even though he was the oldest player on the team.

His love for the sport and great attitude despite his impressive success makes Selanne a player who is incredibly difficult to hate.

Selanne is also very good with fans, and has no problem signing autographs, which was evident last season when he returned to Winnipeg for his first regular-season game in the city since 1996.

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Nicholas Goss is an NHL Lead Writer at Bleacher Report. He was also the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Final in Boston. Follow him on Twitter.