Rene Bourque is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on December 10, 1981, in Lac La Biche, Alberta, Canada. Bourque began his hockey career playing for the St. Albert Saints of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) before moving on to play for the University of Wisconsin Badgers in the NCAA.
Bourque was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the third round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks during the 2005-06 season, playing in 44 games and scoring 6 goals and 8 assists. Bourque spent the next few seasons bouncing between the Blackhawks and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals.
In 2008, Bourque was traded to the Calgary Flames, where he played for the next four seasons. He had his best season with the Flames in 2009-10, scoring 27 goals and 23 assists in 73 games. Bourque was known for his physical play and his ability to score goals, making him a valuable player for the Flames.
After his time with the Flames, Bourque played for several other NHL teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Colorado Avalanche. He also played for Team Canada in the 2010 IIHF World Championship, helping them win a silver medal.
Bourque retired from professional hockey in 2018, ending a career that spanned over a decade. He played in a total of 725 NHL games, scoring 163 goals and 153 assists. Bourque was known for his hard work and dedication to the game, and he was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
Off the ice, Bourque has been involved in several charitable organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Ronald McDonald House. He has also been a mentor to young hockey players, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of players.
Overall, Rene Bourque had a successful career in the NHL, playing for several teams and earning the respect of his peers. He will be remembered as a hard-working player who gave his all on the ice and made a positive impact off the ice as well.
🏒