Jaime Bourbonnais Bio
Jaime Claire Bourbonnais is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the New York Sirens of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and a member of the Canadian national team. Born on September 9, 1998, in Mississauga, Ontario, she began her professional career in 2016 after playing for the Cornell Big Red. Throughout her career, Bourbonnais has garnered numerous accolades, including selections to prestigious teams and significant contributions in international competition.
Early Life and Background
Jaime Bourbonnais was born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Growing up in a city known for its diverse sports culture, she developed a passion for ice hockey at a young age. Her early exposure to the sport was influenced by her family, particularly her grandfather, Roger Bourbonnais, who also played for Team Canada and was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame. This familial connection to hockey inspired Jaime to pursue the sport seriously.
Path to Hockey
Jaime Bourbonnais began her hockey journey in local leagues, where she quickly showcased her talent as a defenceman. She played for various youth teams before joining the Cornell Big Red in 2016. During her time at Cornell, she received significant recognition for her skills on the ice, earning spots on the ECAC Hockey All-Rookie Team and the All-Ivy League teams. Her performance in college hockey laid the foundation for her transition into professional hockey.
Jaime Bourbonnais Career
Early Career (2016–2020)
Jaime Bourbonnais made her collegiate debut with the Cornell Big Red during the 2016-2017 season. In her freshman year, she finished tied for third on the team in points, recording 16 points. Her impressive performance earned her a selection to the ECAC Hockey All-Rookie Team and an Honorable Mention All-Ivy. Over the next few seasons, Bourbonnais continued to excel, being named to the Second Team All-ECAC and First Team All-Ivy after her sophomore year. By her junior season, she had established herself as one of the top defensemen in the nation, finishing second in points among defensemen and fourth in assists and goals per game.
Breakthrough (2020–Present)
After completing her college career, Jaime Bourbonnais transitioned to professional hockey. She played for the New York Sirens PWHPA from 2020 until 2023, where she continued to develop her skills and gain valuable experience. On September 18, 2023, Bourbonnais was drafted in the second round, 9th overall, by the PWHL New York in the 2023 PWHL Draft. She signed a three-year contract with the club in November 2023, marking a significant milestone in her career. In her first two seasons with the Sirens, she appeared in all 54 games, scoring seven goals and providing 13 assists.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jaime Bourbonnais has made a name for herself in the hockey community through her consistent performance and dedication to the sport. She has been recognized for her contributions at both the collegiate and professional levels, including being awarded the ECAC Best Defenseman after her junior season at Cornell. Her international experience includes representing Canada at the under-18 level, where she won a silver medal at the 2016 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship.
Jaime Bourbonnais Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Jaime Bourbonnais has received several nominations and honors, particularly during her time at Cornell University, where she was recognized for her outstanding performance on the ice.
Jaime Bourbonnais Awards Won
Jaime Bourbonnais has achieved notable recognition, including being named the ECAC Best Defenseman after her junior season at Cornell. Her contributions to her teams have been acknowledged through various accolades during her career.
Jaime Bourbonnais Family
Jaime Bourbonnais comes from a family with a rich hockey background. Her grandfather, Roger Bourbonnais, was a prominent figure in Canadian hockey and has inspired Jaime throughout her career.
Personal Life
Details about Jaime Bourbonnais’s personal life remain private. However, her family’s involvement in hockey has played a significant role in shaping her career and passion for the sport.
