Claude Vilgrain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Claude Vilgrain |
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| Born | March 1, 1963 Port-au-Prince, Haiti |
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| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | ||
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb) | ||
| Position | Right wing | ||
| Shot | Right | ||
| Played for | Vancouver Canucks New Jersey Devils Philadelphia Flyers |
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| National team | .svg){kind=small} Canada |
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| NHL Draft | 107th overall, 1982 Detroit Red Wings |
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| Playing career | 1988–2002 | ||
Claude Vilgrain, born on March 1, 1963, is a former professional ice hockey player. He was born in Haiti and grew up in Canada. Claude played as a right winger and competed in 89 games in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for teams like the Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, and Philadelphia Flyers. He also proudly represented the Canadian national team in ice hockey at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
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Claude's Early Life
Claude Vilgrain was born on March 1, 1963, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. His family was very focused on education. For example, his great-uncle was a doctor, his grandfather was a judge, and his father was an economist. When Claude was about one year old, his father, Alix, moved the family to Quebec City, Canada. This was for his father's job as an economist.
Claude later said that his parents' willingness to adapt to Canadian culture helped him succeed in hockey. They let him play sports, which was important for his career. Claude grew up in a small town near Quebec City. He first experienced unfair treatment because of his background when he played junior hockey in Montreal.
His Hockey Career
Playing Junior Hockey
Claude Vilgrain played junior hockey for the Laval Voisins in the QMJHL. He played there from 1980 to 1983. For two seasons, he played alongside Mario Lemieux, who later became a huge star for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Claude finished second in scoring for his team, with 126 points.
Claude remembered his time with Lemieux fondly. He said he tried to copy Lemieux's amazing moves on the ice. Even with his success, Claude mentioned that he was bothered by unfair comments he heard during games. After the 1981–82 season, the Detroit Red Wings picked Claude in the sixth round of the 1982 NHL Entry Draft.
Claude played one more season with the Voisins. He scored 46 goals and 80 points that year. Because of his great performance, he was chosen for the QMJHL Second All-Star Team. However, the Red Wings did not invite him to their training camp in 1983. Claude then decided not to play another season with the Voisins, so the Red Wings did not sign him to a contract.
Playing for University
Since he was not signed by an NHL team, Claude Vilgrain chose to continue his education. He joined the Moncton Aigles Bleus at the Université de Moncton. He played hockey for the university team from 1983 to 1986.
Claude's Family Life
Claude Vilgrain has a daughter named Cassandra. She also played college ice hockey. After college, she played for Brynäs IF in the Swedish Women's Hockey League.
