Canucks' Luc Bourdon in a photo following his draft at #10 overall in 2005. Vancouver Canucks bluechip defenseman Luc Bourdon passed away today at the age of 21, the result of a motorcycle crash in his native town of Shippagan, New Brunswick.
Various reports have it that Bourdon recently bought the motorcycle as little as two days ago. The motorcycle reportedly collided with a tractor-trailer.
Bourdon's agent Kent Hughes stated that he never knew about his client's new hobby. "I had no idea," he explained to CKNW in Vancouver. "Another client of ours, Kris Letang, said Luc let him know he was riding his dad's motorcycle with some friends a week or two ago. I have since been told - though I don't know - that he actually bought a motorcycle two days ago."
Luc may best be remembered for as a stabilizing presence playing alongside the above-mentionned Letang at the 2006 World Junior Championships, in which Canada captured gold. He posted 6 points in 6 games and earned a spot on the tournament's All-Star roster. He also helped lead Moncton that same year to the Memorial Cup after being traded by the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.
Canucks general manager Mike Gillis issued the following statement.
"Luc was an extremely talented player with a bright future. He brought great passion to the game and was a valued team member on and off the ice. He will be greatly missed."
Craig Heisinger, Vice-President & General Manager of the Manitoba Moose, added his voice to those expressing sympathy.
"Luc was a truly passionate person who was also hard-working, and caring of his teammates."
"He was a very talented player who made a great impact on the organization in a short period of time. It is a big loss for the Manitoba Moose family."
Luc was already a fan-favourite in Vancouver, and the Canucks expected big things of him this upcoming season. He played 36 games in the NHL, and the Canucks fans already cheered him with almost every touch of the puck, as they in unison shouted out "Luuuuuuuuuuc!" Bourdon had 2 NHL goals and was a career +6.
He was drafted 10th overall in 2005, the same year that Sidney Crosby and Carey Price were drafted. To put into persective exactly how high the Canucks were on Bourdon: He was drafted ahead and instead of Anze Kopitar, F (11th), Marc Staal, D (12th), Ryan Parent, D (18th), Tuukka Rask, G (21st), and Matt Niskanen, D (28th). The Canucks also refused to part with Bourdon this year as they tried to land Brad Richards out of Tampa Bay. The Lightning reportedly were only interested in Bourdon or fellow defenseman Alex Edler, but then GM Dave Nonis refused to pull the trigger on that deal.
Sincerest condolences go out to the Bourdon family and friends, as well as the Vancouver Canucks and it's affiliates, and everyone else involed with Bourdon both on and off the ice. He will truly be missed. Rest in peace, Luuuuuuuuuc.
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