One of only 48 men to have reached the 500-goal mark in NHL history. The second installment of the "NHL Wraparound Hall of Fame Edition" welcomes 2023 Hall of Fame inductee Pierre Turgeon.
In this discussion, Neil and Vic hit on numerous topics from Turgeon's junior hockey days in Granby to his Little League World Series appearance in 1982 to the Dale Hunter hit 11 years later to being the last Montreal Canadiens captain to leave Montreal Forum Ice with the symbolic torch raised high.
Turgeon - similar to Neil - is open about the pain of losing a child but being able to find strength in the good of life and moving forward while never forgetting.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[2:01] - After acknowledging congratulations for his 2023 induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Neil points out the irony of Pierre's junior team and the NHL club that selected him first overall in 1987.
[3:05] - A natural talent, Turgeon speaks about his early years when he racked up 114 points as a 16-year-old despite playing for four different coached in his first of two seasons in Granby.
[4:54] - Playing in the 1982 Little League World Series for Rouyn-Noranda alongside fellow NHL'er Stephane Matteau.
[7:12] - Thoughts about Colorado. A former home and where Turgeon ended his NHL career but still visits frequently.
[8:27] - Returning to the hockey piece, Turgeon recalls the magical 1992-93 where he reached statistical milestones as a New York Islander before being injured in the final game of the opening round, victim of a vicious cheap shot.
[11:37] - Neil and Pierre share some stories of players and games from years past - Stephane Quintal, Clark Gillies, Benoit Hogue and Clint Malarchuk, who suffered one of hockey's most gruesome injuries as a teammate of Turgeon's in March of 1989.
[19:08] - It took 13 years for Turgeon to be elected to the Hall of Fame after his first year old eligibility in 2010. Pierre reflects on whether there was a lack of appreciation for his production having not played on many contending teams.
[21:57] - While playing for six teams and only 104 games for the Canadiens, it was Turgeon who was the captain that skated the torch off Montreal Forum ice for the final time in March, 1996.
[24:54] - The importance of family and the mutual pain Pierre and Neil share in losing a child. Though some days bring back painful reminders, Turgeon embraces each day as both men have learned to move forward carrying the memories.
[29:17] - Amidst appreciating small things in life, Turgeon enjoys golf on a frequent basis.
[30:08] - A few words about Pierre's brother Sylvain, who was selected second in the 1983 Draft.
[32:10] - Putting a wrap on the chat with Pierre Turgeon.
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