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 Herron, born on June 18, 1952, is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goalie. He played for several teams in the NHL from 1972 to 1985. These teams included the Montreal Canadiens, Kansas City Scouts, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He even won a special award called the William M. Jennings Trophy in 1982 with another goalie, Rick Wamsley.
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Denis Herron's Hockey Journey
Starting in Junior Hockey
Denis Herron began his hockey career playing junior hockey. He played for the Trois-Rivières Ducs in the Quebec Junior Hockey League. He was a very good player during his junior years. In 1972, he was even named to the Second All-Star Team.
Joining the NHL Teams
In 1972, the Pittsburgh Penguins picked Denis Herron as the 40th player in the NHL Draft. In his first season, he played for both the Penguins and the Hershey Bears in the AHL.
The next year, in 1974, Herron played for three different teams. He played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Hershey Bears, and the Salt Lake Golden Eagles.
Time with the Kansas City Scouts
In the 1974-75 season, Herron started with the Penguins and Bears. Then, he was traded to the Kansas City Scouts. He played 22 games with them that season. He stayed with the Scouts 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. In January 1976, he had to go to the hospital. He suffered from a kidney stone, which doctors thought might have been caused by his diet.
Returning to Pittsburgh and Montreal
After his time with the Scouts, Herron signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins again. He played with them for the next three years. In 1978, he played for Team Canada in the World Championships. His team won a bronze medal there.
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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 1979, the Penguins traded him to the Montreal Canadiens. He stayed with the Canadiens for three years. During this time, he shared the goalie duties with other players. In 1981, Herron won the Vezina Trophy with his teammates Michel Larocque and Richard Sevigny. The next year, in 1982, Herron shared the William M. Jennings Trophy with fellow goalie Rick Wamsley.
Finishing His Career
In 1983, Herron went back to the Pittsburgh Penguins for the third time. He played there until 1986, when he decided to retire from professional hockey.
Denis Herron's Family Life
Denis Herron is one of six children in his family. His father worked as a mechanic, and his mother stayed at home.
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 for the women's team at McGill University. She even 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.
- Won the Vezina Trophy in 1981 (shared with Michel Larocque and Richard Sevigny).
- Won the William M. Jennings Trophy in 1982 (shared with Rick Wamsley).
