Pierre Turgeon: 500-Goal Scorer on Hall of Fame Career & Life Lessons

Pierre Turgeon, 2023 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee and one of only 48 players in NHL history to score 500 goals, joins Neil and Vic for an intimate Hall of Fame Edition conversation. From representing Canada in the Little League World Series alongside Stefan Matteau to scoring 132 points in his best NHL season, Turgeon reflects on his remarkable 19-year career. He shares memories of the Dale Hunter hit, the emotional closing of the Montreal Forum, playing alongside legends, and the personal tragedy that changed his perspective on life and gratitude.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] - Pierre Turgeon joins as the latest Hockey Hall of Fame Edition guest, one of 48 players with 500+ career goals.

[01:00] - The quirky connection: playing for the Granby Bisons in junior hockey, then getting drafted by the Buffalo Bisons (Sabres).

[02:00] - Early comfort in Buffalo: Jacques Cloutier as a fellow French-speaker helping ease the transition to the NHL.

[03:00] - The incredible 1985-86 junior season: 114 points as a 16-year-old despite the team having four different head coaches.

[04:00] - The meditation of hockey: being in the moment on the ice where nothing else matters - pure presence in the bubble.

[05:00] - Little League World Series glory: representing Canada with Stefan Matteau, both 11-year-old pitchers alternating, finishing fourth.

[06:00] - Playing at 5'11" as an 11-year-old, pitching in front of 25,000 fans, and the hero's welcome at the airport back home.

[08:00] - Life in Colorado and Florida: visiting three kids and grandkids in Denver, spending time in Vail, embracing the Rockies and sports culture.

[09:00] - The Dale Hunter hit in 1993 playoffs: scoring the series-clinching goal against Washington, the controversial blind-side hit, and Hunter's later apology.

[10:00] - Al Arbor's leadership magic: making the Islanders believe they could beat Pittsburgh in 1993, winning Game 7 on David Volek's overtime goal.

[11:00] - Dressing for Game 7 with one shoulder, ready to play overtime despite the injury, learning from Arbor's wisdom.

[12:00] - Junior hockey connections: playing with Stefan Richer and Stephan Quintal, now skating together in Florida.

[14:00] - The hilarious Stefan Richer story: "Can't tell" his name at a Boston diner leading to confused locals with heavy accents.

[15:00] - Clark Gillies' impact: the intimidating beard in Buffalo, later becoming a great friend and storyteller on Long Island.

[16:00] - Six years with Benoit Hogue: playing together in Buffalo, New York (Islanders), and Dallas - lifelong friendship.

[17:00] - The Clint Malarchuk incident, March 22, 1989: witnessing hockey's worst accident, the army medic trainer's quick response saving a life.

[19:00] - Hall of Fame journey: first eligible in 2010, inducted in 2023 - the platform to thank people who helped along the way.

[22:00] - Playing only 104 games for the Canadiens but being honored with the most memorable moment of his career.

[24:00] - March 11, 1996: The closing of the Montreal Forum, the seven-minute standing ovation for Maurice Richard, walking the red carpet.

[25:00] - Being the final Canadiens captain to exit the Forum: receiving the torch from Butch Bouchard, Jean Beliveau, and the legends.

[26:00] - Family sacrifice: time away from family, the support system, coaching kids' hockey after retiring.

[27:00] - The unimaginable tragedy: losing daughter Jenna at 18 in a car accident in 2010, two years stuck in mud, learning to live with loss.

[29:00] - Giving back all the highlights: the Hall of Fame, the goals, the captaincy - all of it for one more moment with her.

[30:00] - Living in the moment: appreciating birds, branches, trees, mountains, water - finding beauty in small things and embracing gratitude.

[31:00] - Golf as connection with nature: competitive but appreciative, playing a few times a week, understanding how good the pros really are.

[32:00] - Brother Sylvain Turgeon: 1983 second overall pick to Hartford, now in Calgary, the biggest influence on Pierre's career.

[34:00] - Gratitude despite tragedy: the poignant exchange about living with loss while remaining thankful for what remains.

[35:00] - The wisdom of living in the moment: advice for anyone listening - happiness comes from presence, not past or future.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/

NHL Wraparound Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/

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