Loss of Luc Bourbon Looms Large

Luc Bourdon was added to the list this offseason of young star athletes who have left us far too soon.  The motorcycle crash that took the life of Canucks’ prospect Luc Bourdon is a tragedy to the Canucks, the community of Shippagan, and the entire hockey world. 

The world has lost a tremendously talented young defenseman and a wonderful human being.

Drafted 10th overall by the Canucks in ’05, Bourdon was expected to be the future on the Canucks’ blue line.  He had a very impressive stay in Junior at Val d'Or where he was ranked sixth among North American skaters according to the NHL central scouting service. 

Bourdon was then traded to Moncton where his stock grew as he helped the Wildcats to a berth in the Memorial cuo final in 2006.  Though Bourdon is gone, his accomplishments were great. 

At the tender age of 21, he helped team Canada capture a silver medal at the u-18 world championships.  The following year, he helped Canada win gold at the world Juniors for the first time since 97. 

The following year, he was back at it again as he scored the tying goal to force the shootout in the marathon game against the US that Canada eventually pulled out and went on to win gold again.

During his life, Bourdon faced a lot of obstacles.  At age nine, he was confined to a wheelchair after being diagnosed with juvenile arthritis.  However, he was able to overcome it and pursue his dream of playing professional hockey. 

Bourdon, who knew what it was like to face obstacles, also was very involved in his community and many charity functions.  Bourdon grew up in the small fishing town of Shippagan, New Brunswick and knew what it was like to be poor. 

So when he was drafted by the Canucks, he anonymously donated $10,000 to a local minor hockey association for families who couldn't afford hockey equipment.

Luc had a big heart and will be terribly missed, "The entire area is in shock," a close family member said.

"Oh my God, we can't believe this happened. It's an unreal tragedy. His father is crushed." said a representative from Shippagan. 

Steve Tambellini who helped draft Bourdon said "He was just on the cusp of being rewarded for all the hard work that he put in as a young man. And he was just starting to show his character."  

So Bourdon is gone, and though a lot of fans didn't get a chance to see much of him, he will not soon be forgotten.  Bourdon showed in his limited time on earth that he was a warrior with incredible talent. 

To Luc Bourdon, the entire Canucks organization, and his friends and family, I say stay strong and hang in there.  Luc will always be in our hearts.