Canucks defenceman Luc Bourdon passes away

“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.” [emphasis added.]

Bourdon was an integral part of Brent Sutter’s gold medal-winning squad in the 2006 World Junior Hockey Championship, posting six points in six games and earning a spot on the tournament all-star team. His dream season continued when the Eagles dealt him to Moncton and he helped lead Ted Nolan’s Wildcats to the 2006 Memorial Cup. He then signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Canucks that spring and played a nine-game stint with the team to start the following season. He was then returned to the QMJHL and helped lead Canada win its third straight gold medal at the world juniors.

“We are deeply saddened by today’s news and on behalf of the entire Vancouver Canucks organization, I would like to extend my sincere sympathies to Luc’s family,” said Canucks general manager Mike Gillis in a statement.