Vincent Damphousse’s career has been punctuated by remarkable highlights, but Monday evening will have a very special place in the heart of the former hockey player.
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Author of a 155-point season with the Laval Titan in the QMJHL, drafted in the first round by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Damphoussse played for 18 seasons in the NHL, including 12 during which he reached the 20 mark. goals. He was chosen to participate in four all-star games, even being named the MVP in 1991, before lifting the Stanley Cup two years later with the Canadiens.
These exploits allowed him to enter the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame, but more than anything, Damphoussse felt privileged that his admission took place at the Anjou Metropolitan Golf Club, in the borough where he saw The day will soon be 56 years old.
“It’s pretty incredible. I played my minor hockey not far from here. It’s a great honor to be inducted into the Sports Pantheon and to do it in Ville d’Anjou, it’s a little extra velvet,” underlined the man who was accompanied in particular by his parents, his brother, his sister-in-law and his partner to celebrate the event.
November 6 is also a pivotal date for Damphousse, since on November 6, 1986, he scored his first goal in the NHL, against the Minnesota North Stars, in his 13th game.
Among the greats
The Montrealer never thought that he would become an immortal among the athletes who have marked the history of Quebec.
“In this cohort there are incredible athletes from all kinds of sports. I see some here tonight [d’autres intronisés], like Pierre Plouffe who is great at water skiing. It’s an honor to be among them,” said Damphousse.
The latter would like people to remember him for his hard work and loyalty.
“I was traded several times, I always tried to represent the organizations that came to get me well, to give my best, to work hard, to be a real pro, to be ready for the games, to “Arriving early, being at my best when it was time to perform,” mentioned the former Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Canadiens and San Jose Sharks forward.
▶ Jasey-Jay Anderson (snowboarding), Marie-Claude Asselin (freestyle skiing, jumping), Meaghan Benfeito (diving), Roseline Filion (diving), Charles Hamelin (short track speed skating), Monique Lefebvre (builder, sport adapted) and Jean-Paul Chartrand Sr (builder, media) were also admitted to the Panthéon des sports du Québec.