Kraken F Yanni Gourde Nearly Quit Hockey Nine Years Ago
According to Bob Condor - Editor in Chief for the Seattle Kraken - Yanni Gourde nearly quit playing hockey nine years ago. In 2013, Gourde signed an ECHL contract with the Kalamazoo Wings after going undrafted for three straight summers.
Upon inking the deal, Gourde reportedly contemplated hanging up his skates and pursuing a degree in civil engineering. However, after conferring with his now-wife, he decided to give it one last kick at the can. And boy, did that decision ever pay off!
Condor writes: "Nine summers ago, [Kraken] forward Yanni Gourde and wife Marie-Andree had a heart-to-heart talk about an offer from third-tier pro ECHL or quit the game to pursue a civil engineering degree. They decided to give hockey 'one more shot.' Thursday he plays in his 400th NHL game."
On top of winning two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, Gourde signed a six-year, $31 million contract with the Seattle Kraken and recently eclipsed his 400th career NHL game.
In those 400 games, Gourde has scored 103g - 141a - 244pts. It's safe to say that he made the right choice by sticking with the beautiful game.
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