Francis Bouillon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Francis Bouillon |
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Bouillon playing for the Montreal Canadiens in 2014
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| Born | October 17, 1975 New York City, U.S. |
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| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) | ||
| Weight | 200 lb (91 kg; 14 st 4 lb) | ||
| Position | Defense | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Montreal Canadiens Nashville Predators Leksands IF HC Ambrì-Piotta |
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| National team |  United States |
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| NHL Draft | Undrafted | ||
| Playing career | 1996–2015 | ||
Francis Joseph Bouillon (born October 17, 1975) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He was a tough defenseman who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the famous Montreal Canadiens and the Nashville Predators. He also played in Switzerland for HC Ambrì-Piotta. Today, he helps coach young players for the Montreal Canadiens.
Early Life and Junior Hockey
Francis Bouillon was born in New York City, USA. His father was from Haiti, and his mother was French Canadian. When he was just 3 years old, Francis moved to Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, with his mother.
He started playing junior hockey in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He played for the Laval Titans and later the Granby Predateurs. Francis was the captain of the Granby Predateurs team when they won the 1996 Memorial Cup. This is a very important championship in Canadian junior hockey.
Professional Hockey Career
Francis Bouillon began his professional career in the ECHL with the Wheeling Nailers in 1996. The next year, he played in the IHL for the Quebec Rafales. In 1998, the Montreal Canadiens signed him to an NHL contract.
He spent most of his career, 11 seasons, with the Canadiens. He also had a short time with the Nashville Predators. Even though he was smaller than many other defensemen, Francis was known for being a very strong and physical player. He was not afraid to play tough against bigger opponents.
In 2009, Francis joined the Nashville Predators again. He played almost every game that season, showing he was a reliable defenseman. He stayed with the Predators for a few more years.
In 2012, Francis returned to the Montreal Canadiens. He played well enough to earn another contract extension. After the 2013-14 season, the Canadiens decided not to offer him a new deal. He then played one season in Switzerland for HC Ambrì-Piotta in the top league there.
Francis Bouillon officially announced his retirement from playing hockey on September 25, 2015.
Life After Hockey
After retiring as a player, Francis Bouillon became a Development Coach for the Montreal Canadiens. This means he helps young players improve their skills and get ready for the NHL.
Francis has two sons, Michael and Anthony. He lives in Montreal.
See also
- List of Black ice hockey players
