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 from Canada. He was born in Haiti and played as a right winger. Claude played in 89 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams like the Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, and Philadelphia Flyers. He also proudly represented Canada in ice hockey at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
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Early Life
Claude Vilgrain was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. His family was very educated. 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 moved the family to Quebec City, Canada, for his job as an economist. Claude believes his success in hockey came from his parents' willingness to adapt to Canadian culture and let him play sports. While playing junior hockey in Montreal, he sometimes faced unfair treatment because of his background.
Career
Playing Junior Hockey
Claude Vilgrain started his hockey journey playing junior hockey with the Laval Voisins in the QMJHL. He played there from 1980 to 1983. For two seasons, he played alongside a future hockey superstar, Mario Lemieux. Claude was the second-highest scorer on his team, showing off his amazing skills. He really enjoyed playing with Lemieux and tried to learn from his moves.
Even though he was successful on the ice, Claude said he was bothered by mean comments he sometimes heard during games. After the 1981–82 season, the Detroit Red Wings picked him in the sixth round of the 1982 NHL Entry Draft. Claude played one more season with the Voisins, where he scored 46 goals and 80 points. This earned him a spot on the QMJHL Second All-Star Team. However, he wasn't invited to the Red Wings' training camp in 1983. He also didn't want to play another season with the Voisins. Because of this, the Red Wings decided not to sign him to a contract.
University Hockey
Since he wasn't signed by an NHL team, Claude Vilgrain decided to continue his education. He joined the Moncton Aigles Bleus at the Université de Moncton and played hockey there from 1983 to 1986.
Professional Hockey
After his time in university, Claude Vilgrain went on to play professional hockey. He played in the NHL for the Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, and Philadelphia Flyers. He also spent many years playing in other leagues, including the AHL and leagues in Europe. He played for teams like the Utica Devils, Hershey Bears, and several teams in Switzerland and Germany.
International Play
Claude Vilgrain also had the honor of representing his country. He played for the Canadian national team in the 1988 Winter Olympics.
Personal Life
Claude Vilgrain's daughter, Cassandra, also became an ice hockey player. She played collegiate ice hockey before joining Brynäs IF in the Swedish Women's Hockey League.
