On This Day In Canucks History: May 29
by Yankee Canuck on May 29, 2009 5:07 AM PDT
in Canucks History
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May 29, 2008: Luc Bourdon, Vancouver's first round pick in 2005, is killed in a motorcycle collision near his hometown of Shippagan. It was later determined wind gusts (estimated to have been more than 50 km/31 mph) and Bourdon's inexperience with motorcycles may have been the primary factors in the accident. Bourdon was 21.
The NHL would have a moment of silence for Bourdon before the start of game four of the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals. Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang was shaken up by the news of his good friend's passing. Bourdon's death was particuarly hard felt in Shippagan as well. Bourdon's girlfriend Charlène Ward read a moving poem in front of thousands at his funeral, which included Canucks management, Kris Letang (missing a SCF game the rest of the finals) and several Canuck players.
Bourdon's memory was celebrated in numerous ways this past season. The Lameque/Shippagan Pêcheurs, a senior men's ice hockey team in New Brunswick, all wore a "28 Bourdon" patch on their jerseys over the course of the 2008–09 season. During the 2009 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, Team Canada players wore LB stickers in their opening game. No Canadian player wore the #6 jersey (Bourdon's number) throughout the tournament.
Both the Canucks and the Moose opened their 2008-09 seasons with tributes to the late defenseman. All Canuck player uniforms were affixed with an "LB" logo on their helmets. Perhaps most impacted was Alex Burrows who attributed much of his breakout season to Bourdon, his former roommate and good friend. In what could have been Burrows most memorable moment to date - the OT goal that ended the first round series against St. Louis - he dedicated it to Bourdon by doing the "bow and arrow" celebration. The Bourdon commemorative t-shirt features the same celebration.
Canucks.com remembers Bourdon today as well.
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Charlène Ward read a moving poem in front of thousands at his funeral, which included Canucks management, Kris Letang (missing a SCF game) and several Canuck players.
Letang didn’t play again for the season after Bourdon’s accident…He skated in a practice but didn’t have the energy and his heart wasn’t in it, so obviously the Pens scratched him the last four games and let him take the time to mourn.
Kris talks about Luc a lot, including after his GWG in OT of Game 3 against Washington when Letang got a lucky bounce off a defender to score his goal. I know he still has Bourdon in his memory and I bet he’ll do something nice for the family if he can win the Cup.
Oh really? I didn’t realize he never returned. Damn. See, even more reason to pull for Pittsburgh now.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on May 29, 2009 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions
That may swing my vote…thanks for sharing that, Orpik.
by Sean Zandberg on May 29, 2009 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions
No probs, I’m glad I could give more info to you….I’ve lost my closest friend who I played hockey with, so I identify with this situation…Here’s a recent article that I think you’ll find moving:
Bourdon was also Letang’s best friend. In many ways, he still is; the Pens defenceman has never let Bourdon’s memory fade.
He says a prayer for Bourdon before every game and talks frequently to [Luc’s mother and girl], who were watching Wednesday’s 3-2 Pittsburgh win together in New Brunswick.
“Luc is always there for me,” said Letang yesterday. “I always think about him before games. I know he helps me in everything.”
Damn. I think we just need to make Letang a Canuck and get him and Burrows on a single unit.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on May 30, 2009 4:27 AM PDT up reply actions
I’m split on this series…cuz I really like Letang and his game…and especially his respect and friendship for Bourdon. I am also a big Hossa fan (former Winterhawk) and would love to see him lift a championship trophy on his own two feet (Hossa was cut down in the 3rd period of the Memorial Cup final that blew out his knee and he lifted the cup from an office chair).
Gonna watch the 84 Cup Final to see if history will repeat itself…but those Wings are a bit younger and stronger than those aged Islanders of the day.
You have that Final on tape? I’ve got them all. Love watching old hockey. The Islanders-Oilers ones were awesome. But it’s hardly comparable to this Finals except for the obvious same teams in the Finals again.
Like you said, these Wings are younger mostly. And the Oilers were so much more stacked.
by Sean Zandberg on May 30, 2009 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions
In my selfishness I wish he was still alive so he could take over Ohlund’s spot this year. Bummer.
by Sean Zandberg on May 30, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions
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