Yvon Labre
Encyclopedia
Yvon Jules Labre is a former Canadian professional ice hockey
player.
Labre was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins
, but only played there a very short time (21 games) before being selected by the Washington Capitals
in the 1974 NHL Expansion Draft
. Labre has the distinction of scoring the first-ever home goal for Washington, beating the Los Angeles Kings
' Goaltender
Rogatien Vachon
. Although he was never one to put up big offensive numbers, Labre's value was noted in being a hard-nosed defensive defenseman on the ice and an active member of community programs and youth hockey programs off it. Such dedication to a team in a location not known for rich hockey history made him one of the Capitals' most popular players during his time there.
Labre served as team captain from 1976 to 1978. He remained in the Capitals organization after his playing career ended. At various times since his retirement, he has served as an assistant coach, a color commentator, a scout and the director of community relations for the Capitals.
Labre's jersey number (#7) was retired by the Capitals on November 22, 1981. He is the only player to ever wear #7 for Washington.
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
player.
Labre was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...
, but only played there a very short time (21 games) before being selected by the Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup...
in the 1974 NHL Expansion Draft
1974 NHL Expansion Draft
The 1974 NHL Expansion Draft was held on June 12, 1974. The draft took place to fill the rosters of the league's two expansion teams for the 1974–75 season, the Kansas City Scouts and the Washington Capitals.-Draft desults:-See also:...
. Labre has the distinction of scoring the first-ever home goal for Washington, beating the Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
' Goaltender
Goaltender
In ice hockey, the goaltender is the player who defends his team's goal net by stopping shots of the puck from entering his team's net, thus preventing the opposing team from scoring...
Rogatien Vachon
Rogatien Vachon
Rogatien Rosaire "Rogie" Vachon is a retired French-Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played for the Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, and Boston Bruins in the National Hockey League....
. Although he was never one to put up big offensive numbers, Labre's value was noted in being a hard-nosed defensive defenseman on the ice and an active member of community programs and youth hockey programs off it. Such dedication to a team in a location not known for rich hockey history made him one of the Capitals' most popular players during his time there.
Labre served as team captain from 1976 to 1978. He remained in the Capitals organization after his playing career ended. At various times since his retirement, he has served as an assistant coach, a color commentator, a scout and the director of community relations for the Capitals.
Labre's jersey number (#7) was retired by the Capitals on November 22, 1981. He is the only player to ever wear #7 for Washington.