Former Montreal Canadiens player officially announces his retirement
Gabriel Bourque, a member of the Montreal Canadiens organization, announced his retirement at 34 years old.
On Thursday morning, Bourque revealed in a French interview that he is retiring after spending the last three years with the Laval Rocket in the AHL. He also shared that he has already transitioned to a new role in hockey becoming an assistant coach for the Lionel-Groulx College Nordiques in Ste Thérèse Quebec.
Bourque's NHL journey began in 2009 when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Nashville Predators. After finishing his junior career with the Moncton Wildcats, where he won the QMJHL championship, Bourque made his NHL debut with Nashville in 2011. Over his career, he played 413 NHL games with the Predators, Colorado Avalanche, and Winnipeg Jets, scoring 40 goals and recording 103 points.
In the AHL, Bourque made a lasting impact as captain of the Laval Rocket. He not only scored 70 points with the Canadiens' affiliate but also served as a leader, helping younger players develop with his experience.
We wish Bourque the best as he embarks on this new chapter of his career.
Meanwhile the Canadiens face the Ottawa Senators tomorrow. Their last matchup saw some heated moments including a hit on Kirby Dach by the Senators Ridly Greig & Arber Xhekaj's retaliatory hit on Tim Stützle which led to Xhekaj's ejection.
