Normand Rochefort was a Canadian ice hockey player who played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on April 10, 1965, in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Rochefort began his hockey career in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Chicoutimi Sagueneens in 1982. He played for the Sagueneens for three seasons, from 1982 to 1985, and was known for his physical play and strong defensive skills.
In 1985, Rochefort was drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the second round of the NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Whalers in the 1985-86 season and played for the team for four seasons. During his time with the Whalers, Rochefort established himself as a reliable defenseman and was known for his hard-hitting style of play. He was also a key member of the team's penalty-killing unit.
In 1989, Rochefort was traded to the Quebec Nordiques, where he played for two seasons. He continued to be a solid defenseman for the Nordiques and was a key contributor to the team's success. In the 1991-92 season, Rochefort was traded to the New Jersey Devils, where he played for three seasons. He was a key member of the Devils' defense and helped the team reach the playoffs in each of his three seasons with the team.
In 1994, Rochefort signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He played for the Penguins for one season before retiring from professional hockey. Throughout his NHL career, Rochefort played in 527 games, scoring 32 goals and 98 assists for a total of 130 points. He was also known for his physical play, racking up 1,126 penalty minutes over his career.
After retiring from hockey, Rochefort remained involved in the sport as a coach and scout. He worked as an assistant coach for the Chicoutimi Sagueneens and later served as a scout for the Montreal Canadiens. Rochefort was also inducted into the Chicoutimi Sagueneens Hall of Fame in 2008.
In conclusion, Normand Rochefort was a solid defenseman who played in the NHL for over a decade. He was known for his physical play and strong defensive skills, and was a key contributor to the success of the teams he played for. After retiring from hockey, Rochefort remained involved in the sport as a coach and scout, and was recognized for his contributions to the Chicoutimi Sagueneens.
🏒