Births on January 17

Sylvain Turgeon

Born on January 17, 1965

Sylvain Turgeon, Canadian ice hockey player

A Comprehensive Look at Sylvain Turgeon's NHL Career

Joseph Sylvain Dorilla Turgeon, born on January 17, 1965, is a distinguished Canadian former professional ice hockey player. Known primarily as a formidable left winger, Turgeon carved out a significant career in the National Hockey League (NHL), playing an impressive 669 regular-season games across more than a decade. His tenure in professional hockey is a testament to his skill, durability, and consistent performance at the sport's highest level.

Early Career and Path to the NHL

Turgeon's journey to the NHL began in the junior hockey ranks, specifically with the Brantford Alexanders in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he showcased his scoring prowess. His potential was quickly recognized by NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the Hartford Whalers in the second round, 22nd overall, of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. This selection marked the beginning of what would become a robust and respected professional career.

A Distinguished NHL Journey: Teams and Key Contributions

Sylvain Turgeon's 669 games in the NHL were distributed across five different franchises, each contributing to his extensive professional legacy. His consistent offensive output and reliable play made him a valuable asset throughout his career. His NHL career statistics stand at 190 goals, 237 assists, for a total of 427 points in the regular season, alongside 7 goals and 7 assists for 14 points in 36 playoff games.

Hartford Whalers (1983–1988): Turgeon started his NHL career with the Whalers, where he quickly established himself as a prominent offensive force. He achieved back-to-back 30-goal seasons in his first two years (30 goals in 1983-84 and 31 goals in 1984-85), demonstrating his immediate impact and scoring ability. He was a cornerstone player for the franchise during this period.
Montreal Canadiens (1988–1990): Traded to the iconic Montreal Canadiens, Turgeon had the opportunity to play for one of the most storied franchises in hockey history. While his scoring output decreased slightly, he continued to contribute effectively to a competitive Canadiens squad.
Minnesota North Stars (1990–1992): His time with the North Stars saw him continue to be a reliable veteran presence, contributing to the team's offense and experience.
Calgary Flames (1992–1993): Turgeon had a brief stint with the Flames, showcasing his versatility by adapting to another competitive Canadian market.
Ottawa Senators (1993–1994): He concluded his NHL career with the Ottawa Senators, providing veteran leadership during the early years of the franchise's re-establishment, bringing his vast experience to a developing team.

Career Statistics and Playing Style

As a left winger, Sylvain Turgeon was recognized for his offensive capabilities, featuring a strong shot and a knack for finding the back of the net. His career totals of 190 goals and 427 points underscore his effectiveness as a scoring forward over an impressive 11 NHL seasons. He was a player who could contribute to the scoresheet regularly and reliably.

Legacy and Family in Hockey

Sylvain Turgeon's career exemplifies consistency and longevity in the demanding environment of professional hockey. He is also notably the elder brother of Hockey Hall of Famer Pierre Turgeon, making them one of a select few pairs of siblings to both achieve significant careers in the NHL. This family connection further solidifies the Turgeon name within the annals of Canadian hockey history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sylvain Turgeon

When was Sylvain Turgeon born?: Sylvain Turgeon was born on January 17, 1965.
What position did Sylvain Turgeon play in the NHL?: He primarily played as a left winger.
Which NHL teams did Sylvain Turgeon play for?: Sylvain Turgeon played for the Hartford Whalers, Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota North Stars, Calgary Flames, and Ottawa Senators during his NHL career.
How many games did Sylvain Turgeon play in the National Hockey League?: He played a total of 669 regular-season games in the NHL.
What were Sylvain Turgeon's career statistics in the NHL?: In his 669 regular-season games, he accumulated 190 goals, 237 assists, for 427 points. He also recorded 7 goals and 7 assists for 14 points in 36 playoff games.
Is Sylvain Turgeon related to any other NHL players?: Yes, he is the elder brother of former NHL player and Hockey Hall of Famer, Pierre Turgeon.

References

Sylvain Turgeon

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Events on 1965

8 Mar

Vietnam War
Thirty-five hundred United States Marines are the first American land combat forces committed during the Vietnam War.
15 Mar

Voting Rights Act
President Lyndon B. Johnson, responding to the Selma crisis, tells U.S. Congress "We shall overcome" while advocating the Voting Rights Act.
6 Aug

Voting Rights Act of 1965
US President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act of 1965 into law.
27 Nov

Lyndon B. Johnson
Vietnam War: The Pentagon tells U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson that if planned operations are to succeed, the number of American troops in Vietnam has to be increased from 120,000 to 400,000.
28 Nov

Ferdinand Marcos
Vietnam War: In response to U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson's call for "more flags" in Vietnam, Philippine President-elect Ferdinand Marcos announces he will send troops to help fight in South Vietnam.