Photo credit: La Presse

Donald Brashear returns to professional hockey after 7 years

BY TJ TUCKER SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 (5:54 PM)

It's not often you get word of a 51-year-old getting a pro hockey contract but, here we are. The Jonquière Marquis, a team in the Quebec-based Ligue Nord-Américaine de Hockey (LNAH), has announced a one-year deal for former NHL enforcer Donald Brashear.

This isn't Brashear's first time in the LNAH, but it has been seven years since he last played any sort of pro hockey, even in a low level league like this one.

"I'm very happy to be part of the Jonquière Marquis. It's going to be a pleasure for me to help out the team, and hopefully win a cup," said Brashear in a news release from the team.

Bob Desjardins, the owner of Jonquière Marquis, says he's thrilled to have Brashear onboard.

"For me, it's like wow! I managed to convince Donald to join us. From the start of our conversations, I sensed that Brash wasn't closed to the idea. I have enormous respect for the man. Guys who have played over 1,000 NHL games, that's an incredible feat.

Yes, he's 51, but it's incredible that he's still in such great shape. I'm 56 and it's hard for me to put my socks on in the morning." - Bob Desjardins

In its news release, the team said two other LNAH club were attempting to recruit Brashear, but he ultimately decided on Jonquière Marquis.

Brashear played for five teams over his NHL career, and was involved in one of the most infamous incidents in the league when Marty McSorley slashed Brashear in the head during the 1999-2000 season.

Source: Jonquière Marquis