Yanni Gourde Bio
Yanni Gourde (born December 15, 1991) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). Growing up in Quebec, Gourde played ice hockey in the area until eventually joining the Victoriaville Tigres of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in 2008. In his final of four years with the team, he was the league’s top scorer and most valuable player. He then signed with the Worcester Sharks of the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2011. After spending time with the Sharks and the ECHL, he signed with the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014. Gourde made his NHL debut in 2015 and won the Stanley Cup with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021.
Early Life and Background
Yanni Gourde was born in Saint-Narcisse, Quebec, Canada. His passion for ice hockey developed at a young age, as he participated in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments with his minor ice hockey team, Rive-Sud, from 2003 to 2005. Gourde played with the Lévis Commandeurs and the Jonquière Élites of the Quebec Midget AAA Hockey League before joining the Victoriaville Tigres in 2008. During his time with the Tigres, he showcased his talent and determination, which laid the foundation for his future career.
Path to Hockey
After joining the Victoriaville Tigres, Yanni Gourde quickly made a name for himself. In his first season, he collected one assist in four games. However, it was during the 2011–12 season that he truly excelled, tallying 37 goals and 87 assists for 124 points, earning him the Jean Béliveau Trophy as the QMJHL’s top scorer and the Michel Brière Memorial Trophy as the league’s most valuable player. Following his successful junior career, Gourde signed an amateur tryout offer with the Worcester Sharks in 2012, marking the beginning of his professional journey.
Yanni Gourde Career
Early Career (2008–2014)
Yanni Gourde’s professional career began in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Worcester Sharks. He played four games during the 2011–12 season, scoring one goal and two assists. In the following seasons, he continued to develop his skills, eventually earning a spot on the Sharks’ opening roster for the 2012–13 season. Gourde’s performance improved significantly, and he was named to the Sharks’ opening roster for the 2013–14 season, where he posted impressive numbers.
Breakthrough (2015–2021)
Gourde’s breakthrough came when he signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014. He began his NHL career with the Lightning during the 2015–16 season, making his debut on December 15, 2015, against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Gourde quickly established himself as a valuable player, scoring his first NHL goal in 2017. His contributions helped the Lightning secure back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021, solidifying his status as a key player on the team.
Notable Works and Milestones
Yanni Gourde’s signature achievements include winning the Stanley Cup twice with the Tampa Bay Lightning and being recognized as a top player in the QMJHL during his junior career. His journey from junior hockey to the NHL exemplifies his dedication and talent.
Yanni Gourde Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Yanni Gourde has received recognition for his performance, particularly during his time in the QMJHL and the NHL. His achievements as a top scorer and valuable player highlight his impact on the ice.
Yanni Gourde Awards Won
Yanni Gourde has won several awards, including the Jean Béliveau Trophy and the Michel Brière Memorial Trophy during his junior career. Additionally, he is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, having won the prestigious trophy with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021.
Yanni Gourde Family
Yanni Gourde is married to Marie-Andrée, and they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Emma Kate Gourde, on May 1, 2018. Her birth coincided with the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs, adding a personal milestone to Gourde’s professional achievements.
Personal Life
Gourde was named after the Greek composer Yanni, a name his parents chose after seeing it in the credits of a movie while his mother was pregnant. This unique connection to his name reflects his family’s influence on his life. Yanni Gourde continues to balance his professional hockey career with his family life, demonstrating his commitment both on and off the ice.
