Samuel Laberge Bio
Samuel Laberge (born April 10, 1997) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League while under contract to the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League. Undrafted, Laberge had played in the ECHL and Ligue Nord-Américaine de Hockey before making his NHL debut.
Early Life and Background
Samuel Laberge was born in Châteauguay, Quebec, Canada. He began his hockey journey at a young age, playing youth hockey for the Châteauguay Grenadiers. Despite facing challenges early on, including being cut from the under-18 AAA team in his first year of eligibility, he persevered and played at the Midget Espoir level. His talent was recognized when he was drafted by the Rimouski Océanic of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League at the end of that season, where he would go on to achieve significant success. Laberge’s early accomplishments included winning the Jimmy Ferrari Cup with Châteauguay as Quebec AAA champions in 2014.
Path to Hockey
Laberge made his mark in junior hockey, scoring his first QMJHL goal during a brief stint with the Océanic in the 2013–14 season. His rookie season in 2014–15 was particularly noteworthy, as he helped the Océanic win the President’s Cup as QMJHL champions. Although he went undrafted at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Laberge received invites to multiple NHL teams’ summer development camps, including the Los Angeles Kings. His leadership qualities were recognized when he served as Rimouski’s alternate captain in the 2015–16 season and captain in the 2016–17 season, during which he was named QMJHL Humanitarian of the Year for two consecutive years.
Samuel Laberge Career
Early Career (2017–Present)
Samuel Laberge began his professional career by signing with the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League on July 12, 2017. He made an immediate impact, scoring his first AHL goal on November 25, 2017, in a game-winning effort against the Cleveland Monsters. His performance in the 2018 Calder Cup playoffs included scoring his first AHL playoff goal, a double-overtime game-winner. In July 2018, he signed a one-year contract to return to the Stars for the 2018–19 season, although injuries limited his playtime that year.
Breakthrough (2022–Present)
After a challenging period in his career, including a family health crisis, Laberge returned to high-level hockey with renewed passion. He finished the 2019 season as the top scorer for the Sorel-Tracy Éperviers in the Ligue Nord-Américaine de Hockey, showcasing his scoring ability. In the 2020–21 season, he signed with the Adirondack Thunder of the ECHL, later moving to the Allen Americans. His journey continued as he signed a one-year, two-way AHL contract with the Utica Comets on July 21, 2021. Laberge’s perseverance paid off when he played in his first NHL preseason game on September 26, 2022, against the Montreal Canadiens, with his father in attendance. In the preliminary round of the 2023 Calder Cup playoffs, he scored the series-winning goal in overtime against the Laval Rocket.
Notable Works and Milestones
Samuel Laberge’s career has been marked by significant achievements, including his first NHL preseason game and his impactful performances in the AHL playoffs. His ability to overcome personal challenges and injuries has defined his journey, making him a player to watch in the coming seasons.
Samuel Laberge Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Samuel Laberge has received recognition for his contributions to hockey, particularly during his time in junior leagues and the AHL.
Samuel Laberge Awards Won
Samuel Laberge’s accolades include being named QMJHL Humanitarian of the Year for the 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons, highlighting his commitment to community service and leadership on and off the ice.
Samuel Laberge Family
Information regarding Samuel Laberge’s family is limited in public records.
Personal Life
Samuel Laberge has faced personal challenges, including his father’s battle with cancer during his career. This experience has shaped his perspective on life and hockey, fueling his determination to succeed.