Denis Herron facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Denis Herron |
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Herron in 1973
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| Born | June 18, 1952 Chambly, Quebec, Canada |
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| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) | ||
| Weight | 165 lb (75 kg; 11 st 11 lb) | ||
| Position | Goaltender | ||
| Caught | Left | ||
| Played for | Pittsburgh Penguins Kansas City Scouts Montreal Canadiens |
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| National team | .svg){kind=small} Canada |
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| NHL Draft | 40th overall, 1972 Pittsburgh Penguins |
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| Playing career | 1972–1986 | ||
Denis Bernard Herron (born June 18, 1952) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He played for the Montreal Canadiens, Kansas City Scouts, and Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League (NHL). His career lasted from 1972 to 1985. He won the William M. Jennings Trophy with Rick Wamsley in 1982.
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Playing Career
Denis Herron started his hockey journey in junior leagues. He played for the Trois-Rivières Ducs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). In 1972, he was recognized as one of the best goalies in the league. He was named to the Second All-Star Team.
Starting in the NHL
In 1972, the Pittsburgh Penguins picked Herron in the NHL Draft. He was the 40th player chosen overall. In his first season, he split his time between the Penguins and the Hershey Bears. The Bears were a team in the American Hockey League (AHL).
During the 1973–74 season, Herron played for three different teams. These included the Penguins, the Hershey Bears, and the Salt Lake Golden Eagles. The next season, he played for the Penguins and Bears again. Then, he was traded to the Kansas City Scouts. He played 22 games for the Scouts that season. He stayed with them for another year before becoming a free agent.
While playing for Kansas City, Herron tried a special diet. He wanted to get bigger and stronger for hockey. In January 1976, he had a health issue. Doctors believed it was related to his diet.
Returning to Pittsburgh and Montreal
The Pittsburgh Penguins signed Herron again in 1976. He played with them for the next three years. In 1978, Herron joined Team Canada. He played in the Ice Hockey World Championships. His team won a bronze medal there.
In 1979, the Penguins traded Herron to the Montreal Canadiens. He stayed with the Canadiens for three seasons. During this time, he shared goaltending duties with other goalies. In 1981, Herron won the Vezina Trophy. He shared this award with teammates Michel Larocque and Richard Sevigny. The Vezina Trophy is given to the best goaltender in the NHL. In 1982, Herron also shared the William M. Jennings Trophy with Rick Wamsley. This award goes to the goalies on the team that allows the fewest goals.
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Herron with Canadian national team in 1979 |
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| Medal record | ||
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Representing  Canada |
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| World Championships | ||
| Bronze | 1978 Czechoslovakia | |
In 1983, Herron went back to Pittsburgh for the third time. He played there until 1986, when he retired from professional hockey.
Personal Life
Denis Herron is one of six children in his family. His father worked for a tobacco company. His mother was a stay-at-home parent.
He is married to Debbie Pike. They have two daughters named Elissa and Mandi.
Denis's brother, Ronald, was also a professional goalie. He played hockey in France. Denis's niece, Catherine Herron, also played as a goalie. She played for the women's team at McGill University. She also won the 2012 Clarkson Cup as a backup goalie for the Montreal Stars.
Awards and Achievements
- Selected to the QMJHL Second All-Star Team in 1972.
- Vezina Trophy winner in 1981 (shared with Michel Larocque and Richard Sevigny).
- William M. Jennings Trophy winner in 1982 (shared with Rick Wamsley).
