Former Enforcer Returning To Pro Hockey At 51
Former NHLer Donald Brashear was one of the toughest enforcers for over 15 seasons in the NHL from 1995-2010. He was able to play 1025 games scoring 85 goals, 205 points and a whopping 2634 penalty minutes. He last played professionally during the 2015-16 season for the Thetford Assurancia of the LNAH league.
The now 51 year old Brashear is returning to pro hockey and the LNAH after signing a one-year deal with the Jonquière Marquis.
"I'm very happy to be part of the Jonquière Marquis. It's going to be a pleasure for me to help out the team, and hopefully win a cup,"
said Brashear in a news release from the team.
Bob Desjardins, the owner of Jonquière Marquis, says he's thrilled to have Brashear onboard.
"For me, it's like wow! I managed to convince Donald to join us. From the start of our conversations, I sensed that Brash wasn't closed to the idea. I have enormous respect for the man. Guys who have played over 1,000 NHL games, that's an incredible feat.
Yes, he's 51, but it's incredible that he's still in such great shape. I'm 56 and it's hard for me to put my socks on in the morning."
- Bob Desjardins
In its news release, the team said two other LNAH club were attempting to recruit Brashear, but he ultimately decided on Jonquière Marquis.
Brashear was involved in one of the most famous incidents in the league during the 1999-2000 season. It occurred during a game on February 21, 2000 when the Vancouver Canucks were playing the Boston Bruins. Defenceman Marty McSorley slashed Brashear in the head with 4.6 seconds left in the game. Brashear fell backwards and hit his head hard on the ice, losing consciousness and suffering a Grade III concussion. McSorley was charged with assault and suspended by the NHL for the remainder of the 1999–2000 season and the playoffs, missing 23 games. McSorley was found guilty and sentenced to 18 months probation. The NHL would extend his suspension a full year after his conviction. McSorley would never play another NHL game again.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
POLL |
SEPTEMBRE 21 | 215 ANSWERS Former Enforcer Returning To Pro Hockey At 51 Who was the best fighter on this list? |
Donald Brashear | 30 | 14 % |
Marty McSorley | 29 | 13.5 % |
Tie Domi | 44 | 20.5 % |
Bob Probert | 112 | 52.1 % |
List of polls |
|
3 hours ago | By Tom Banks Penguins Make Roster Even Clearer as Regular Season Approaches |
|
9 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Marc-André Fleury Brings Back Classic Penguins Rituals During Memorable Return |
|
10 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente 7 Players Hit NHL Waivers from Penguins' Division Rivals |
|
12 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Change on the Blue Line? Dan Muse Hints at Penguins' Defensive Shift |
|
13 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente NHL Insider Josh Yohe Reveals Update on Pittsburgh Penguins Moving Key Veterans This Season |
|
15 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Kirill Kaprizov Signs Record Deal Worth Nearly Twice Sidney Crosby's Salary |
|
16 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Penguins Young Prospect Scores, Fueling Speculation About His Future |
|
Sep 29 | By Tom Banks Emerging Penguins Prospect Avery Hayes Comments on Playing With Legend Sidney Crosby |