Alex Belzile

Alex Belzile Bio

Alex Belzile is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger and alternate captain for the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He began his professional career in 2012 and has played for various teams, including Gwinnett Gladiators and Hamilton Bulldogs, and has recently signed a contract with the New York Rangers. Belzile made a significant impact in the NHL with his first goal coming at age 31, making him the oldest player to achieve this for the Canadiens since 1926.

Early Life and Background

Alex Belzile was born on August 31, 1991, in Saint-Éloi, Quebec, Canada. Growing up in a small town, he was exposed to hockey at an early age, which ignited his passion for the sport. Belzile played as a junior in the Quebec Midget AAA league within the Rivière-du-Loup Midget AA program, where he began to develop his skills as a forward. His talent was recognized when he was selected in the 11th round, 192nd overall, at the 2009 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) draft by Rimouski Océanic.

Path to Hockey

In his rookie season with Rimouski Océanic during the 2009–10 season, Belzile appeared in 31 games, recording 10 goals and 14 assists for a total of 24 points. His performance showcased his offensive potential, as he posted 11 points in 12 playoff games. In the following season, he solidified his status as a skilled forward by leading Rimouski in scoring with 27 goals in 64 games during the 2010–11 season. Belzile continued to excel in the 2011–12 season, achieving a personal best of 70 assists and 92 points, placing him second in the QMJHL in assists and fourth in points. Despite his impressive statistics, he went undrafted in each of his draft-eligible seasons.

Alex Belzile Career

Early Career (2012–2016)

After opting to turn professional, Alex Belzile signed a one-year contract with the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL for the 2012–13 season. He made a notable impact, recording ten goals and 20 assists in 40 games. Belzile also signed a professional try-out with the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Hamilton Bulldogs, where he scored the game-winning goal in his first game on March 22, 2013. He finished his tenure with the Bulldogs with eight points in 14 games. In the 2013–14 season, he remained with the Gladiators but faced injury challenges, playing only three games. He was later traded to the Alaska Aces, where he contributed significantly to their Kelly Cup victory, scoring 10 points in 18 postseason games.

Breakthrough (2018–2023)

Belzile’s career took a significant turn when he signed a one-year contract with the Laval Rocket on July 1, 2018. He represented the team at the 2019 All-Star Classic and finished the season with 54 points in 74 games. On May 25, 2019, he signed his first NHL contract with the Montreal Canadiens, marking a new chapter in his career. Belzile made his NHL debut during the 2019–20 season and scored his first NHL goal on February 12, 2023, becoming the oldest player to score his first goal for the Canadiens since 1926. He played 31 games with the Canadiens during the 2022–23 season, registering six goals and eight assists.

Notable Works and Milestones

Throughout his career, Alex Belzile has demonstrated resilience and dedication, culminating in his nomination for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. After five seasons with the Canadiens, he signed a two-year, $1.55 million contract with the New York Rangers on July 1, 2023.

Alex Belzile Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Alex Belzile has been recognized for his contributions to the sport, including his nomination for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2023.