Yanni Gourde's path to the NHL proves you should never give up

PUBLICATION

Joshua Deeds
November 18, 2022 (10:00 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Seattle Kraken have turned their game around in their second season, out of nowhere, expected by no one. They beat the New York Rangers 3 to 2 and have a record of 9-5-3, for 3rd in the Pacific.

The results of this season have changed peoples perspectives on the team, as most had written off Ron Francis and Dave Hakstol as incompetent and washed up.

However, there is a story not accounted for in 2022 which is Yanni Gourde's who been a fundamental part of the team.

Gourde was given a leadership position in the team, back in September:

Four Kraken veterans will be alternate captains and form the captaincy group this season: Jordan Eberle, Yanni Gourde, Adam Larsson, Jaden Schwartz. The Kraken expect a strong core of players, including four alternate captains, to provide leadership throughout the 2022-23 season.

Gourde has proven to be a valuable player to the organization and back in his early hockey career, things could've went differently:

It's been a vast difference in what he has accomplished in 9 years with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Seattle Kraken.

Gourde was a part of the famous 3rd line with the Tampa Bay Lightning, with Blake Coleman and Barclay Goodrow, and hasn't faded into irrelevancy but continued to push his new team to new heights in the NHL.

From undrafted to twice Stanley Cup Champion, Yanni Gourde is someone to look up to.

MUST READ