Gaetan Duchesne died today. He was 44 years old, and was apparently working out at a gym when he had a heart attack. The tsn story is here if you want to read it.Duchesne was a fine player, valued even in junior for his ability to shadow others. He was not a high pick (8th rd, 152 overall in 1981) and in fact went through the 1980 draft without being selected (he was eligible).
In the fall of 1981, at 19 years old and speaking no English, he arrived in the camp of the Washington Capitals. As an 8th round pick, Duchesne wasn't exactly on the front burner for the Caps (they had taken Bobby Carpenter 3rd overall) but he made the club out of camp. In fact, Duchesne played only 1 AHL game during his career (and scored a goal in it).
He had a fine career as a two way winger with some skill, he was the 100th player in NHL history to play in 1,000 games. After his career he coached for a time (and came back to play a little) in the IHL and then ran his own architectural supply company in Quebec City after his retirement.
Gaetan Duschesne played the game with intelligence and passion, and he was always a favorite of mine. I'm sad to hear of his passing.
Nice post on Duchesne, Lowetide. I'm actually a little bit surprised he has been so well remembered and recognized throughout the mainstream media and the blogs and internet the way he has.
ReplyDeleteI posted a couple of pieces on Duchesne over at Legends of Hockey
http://legendsofhockey.blogspot.com/
Joe Pelletier
http://legendsofhockey.blogspot.com/
I remember him from the Oilers run in '91 when his line was forechecking like crazy. He also seemed to be outgoing and I seem to remember that the Stars would tape this "Ask The Duke" segments and then would air them during timeouts at the Met Center.
ReplyDeleteAnyone else remember this?