Yanni Gourde was born on December 15, 1991, in Saint-Narcisse, Canada. From a young age, he showed a passion for hockey and began playing in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. His talent and dedication to the sport led him to join the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League during his teenage years.
In 2014, Yanni Gourde was signed by the Tampa Bay Lightning as an undrafted free agent. He made his NHL debut on December 15, 2015, against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Gourde quickly made a name for himself, finishing his rookie season with 25 goals, setting a new franchise record for the Lightning.
In 2021, during the NHL Expansion Draft, Yanni Gourde was selected by the Seattle Kraken. He was honored with the title of alternate captain while playing for the Kraken, showcasing his leadership skills on and off the ice.
Yanni Gourde is married to Marie-Andrée and is a proud father. He grew up in Saint-Narcisse with his family and was named after the renowned Greek composer Yanni. Despite his busy professional hockey career, Gourde values spending time with his loved ones and giving back to his community.
During the 2015-2016 NHL season, Yanni Gourde broke Brad Richards's rookie record of 24 goals, solidifying his place as a rising star in the league. His determination, skill, and team-oriented mindset have earned him respect from fans, teammates, and opponents alike.
Yanni Gourde's impact on the sport of hockey goes beyond his statistics and accomplishments on the ice. He is known for his work ethic, humility, and dedication to improving not only himself but those around him. As he continues to excel in his professional career, Gourde remains a role model for aspiring athletes and a respected figure in the NHL community. His journey from undrafted free agent to alternate captain is a testament to his perseverance and passion for the game.
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