At the age of 51, Donald Brashear will return to the NHL after playing more than 1,000 games in the NHL.
The former Canadiens, Canucks, Flyers, Capitals and Rangers tough guy will wear the Marquis de Jonquière colors. “I am very excited to be part of the Marquis,” Brashear said in a team press release. It will be my pleasure to help the team in the hope of winning a trophy.
Brashear’s last appearance in the LNAH came in the 2015-2016 season with the Thetford Mines team jersey.
General Manager Bob Desjardins was on cloud nine. “For me, it’s like saying ‘Wow,’” he said in the same press release. I managed to convince Donald to join us. From the beginning of our conversations, I felt that Brash was not closed to this idea. I have great respect for the man. It’s an incredible achievement to have played over 1,000 games in the NHL.”
Too old at 51?
At 51, is Brashear too old to return to LNAH? “Yes, he is 51 years old, but it is incredible that he is still in such good shape,” Desjardins replied. I am 56 years old and have difficulty putting on my stockings. It’s really nothing that bothers me and all the guys in the room welcomed it by the end of the week. Brash is an incredible force of nature and I am confident his experience and leadership will help us.”
The Marquises claim that Brashear was courted by two other groups. Jonquière will play his first pre-season game on Friday at the Palais des Sports.
Brashear’s recent visit to Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean was eventful. In a Lac au Fleuve Senior Hockey League (LHSLF) game on January 21, 2023, he attacked an opponent in a contested game in Saint-Ambroise.