Paul Ysebaert was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on May 15, 1966, in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. Ysebaert began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Brantford Alexanders in 1983. He played for the team for two seasons before being drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the third round of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft.
Ysebaert made his NHL debut with the Red Wings in the 1987-88 season. He played for the team for five seasons, from 1987 to 1992. During his time with the Red Wings, Ysebaert established himself as a reliable forward, scoring 20 or more goals in three of his five seasons with the team. He was also known for his physical play and his ability to play on both the power play and penalty kill.
In 1992, Ysebaert was traded to the Winnipeg Jets. He played for the Jets for one season before being traded again, this time to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ysebaert played for the Lightning for four seasons, from 1993 to 1997. During his time with the Lightning, he continued to be a productive player, scoring 20 or more goals in two of his four seasons with the team.
In 1997, Ysebaert was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. He played for the Blackhawks for one season before being traded again, this time to the Ottawa Senators. Ysebaert played for the Senators for one season before retiring from professional hockey in 1999.
Throughout his NHL career, Ysebaert played in a total of 532 games, scoring 149 goals and 210 assists for a total of 359 points. He was known for his versatility as a player, as well as his leadership and work ethic. Ysebaert was also a fan favorite, known for his friendly demeanor and his willingness to interact with fans.
After retiring from professional hockey, Ysebaert remained involved in the sport. He worked as a coach and a scout for various teams, including the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Detroit Red Wings. He also founded the Paul Ysebaert Hockey Academy, which provides training and development opportunities for young hockey players.
In conclusion, Paul Ysebaert was a productive and versatile player during his NHL career, playing for five different teams over the course of a decade. He was known for his physical play, his leadership, and his friendly demeanor. After retiring from professional hockey, Ysebaert remained involved in the sport, working as a coach and a scout and founding his own hockey academy.
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