Stephane Yelle
Encyclopedia
Stéphane Yelle is a former Canadian
professional ice hockey
centre
. He won two Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche
, and also played in the National Hockey League
with the Calgary Flames
, Boston Bruins
and the Carolina Hurricanes
.
in the Ontario Hockey League
when he was drafted in the 8th round (186th overall) in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft
by the New Jersey Devils
. On June 1, 1994, he was traded to the Quebec Nordiques
, and made his professional debut in the 1994–95
season with AHL
affiliate, the Cornwall Aces
.
The following season, Yelle's rights were transferred as the Nordiques relocated to Denver to become the Colorado Avalanche
. In 1995–96
, his and the Avalanche's first season in the NHL, Yelle became a regular as he played in 71 games on route to the Stanley Cup
Championship. Known as an excellent faceoff
taker and a gritty, hard-working player, Yelle played seven seasons for the Avalanche from 1995 to 2002, capturing another Stanley Cup in the 2000–01 season.
On October 1, 2002, prior to the 2002–03 season, Stephane was traded by the Avalanche, along with Chris Drury
, to the Calgary Flames
for Derek Morris, Dean McAmmond
and Jeff Shantz
. Yelle's transition was seamless as he established himself on the Flames checking line, helping Calgary to a 2004 Stanley Cup final appearance after a seven year playoff hiatus. Throughout his five seasons with the Flames, Yelle's versatility and defensive prowess was often highlighted as he would often fill-in as a defenseman
when others were out injured.
On September 3, 2008, Yelle was signed to a one-year deal with the Boston Bruins
. In 2008–09
, the veteran played in 77 games scoring 18 points with the Eastern Conference leading Bruins.
On August 19, 2009, he signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes
. After a slow start to the 2009–10
season, the struggling Hurricanes placed Yelle on waivers on October 26, 2009. He went unclaimed and progressively found his feet, staying on the roster.
On March 3, 2010, Yelle was traded by the Hurricanes, along with Harrison Reed
, to return to the Colorado Avalanche for Cedric Lalonde-McNicoll
and a sixth-round draft pick. He has since retired and taken a development coordinator position with the Avalanche.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
professional ice hockey
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...
centre
Centre (ice hockey)
The centre in ice hockey is a forward position of a player whose primary zone of play is the middle of the ice, away from the side boards. Centres have more flexibility in their positioning and are expected to cover more ice surface than any other player...
. He won two Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...
, and also played in the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
with the Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the...
, Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
and the Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
.
Playing career
Yelle played with the Oshawa GeneralsOshawa Generals
The Oshawa Generals are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They are based in Oshawa, Ontario. The team is named for General Motors, an early sponsor which has its Canadian headquarters in Oshawa. The Generals are one of the most successful franchises in Canadian Hockey League...
in the Ontario Hockey League
Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
when he was drafted in the 8th round (186th overall) in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft
1992 NHL Entry Draft
The 1992 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 20 at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, Quebec. A total of 264 players were drafted.-Selections by round:Club teams are located in North America unless otherwise noted.-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:...
by the New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
. On June 1, 1994, he was traded to the Quebec Nordiques
Quebec Nordiques
The Quebec Nordiques were a professional ice hockey team based in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The Nordiques played in the World Hockey Association and the National Hockey League...
, and made his professional debut in the 1994–95
1994–95 AHL season
The 1994–95 AHL season was the 59th season of the American Hockey League. The All-Star Game is revived, with All-Stars grouped into "Team Canada" and "Team USA." Sixteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule...
season with AHL
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
affiliate, the Cornwall Aces
Cornwall Aces
The Cornwall Aces were the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Quebec Nordiques from 1993 to 1995, and the relocated Colorado Avalanche in 1995–96. They were based in the eastern Ontario city of Cornwall, and played at the Ed Lumley Arena inside the Cornwall Civic Complex...
.
The following season, Yelle's rights were transferred as the Nordiques relocated to Denver to become the Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...
. In 1995–96
1995-96 NHL season
The 1995–96 NHL season was the 79th regular season of the National Hockey League. The Stanley Cup winners were the Colorado Avalanche, who, in their first year as the Avalanche, swept the Florida Panthers in four games.-League business:...
, his and the Avalanche's first season in the NHL, Yelle became a regular as he played in 71 games on route to the Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
Championship. Known as an excellent faceoff
Faceoff
A face-off is the method used to begin play in ice hockey and some other sports. The two teams line up in opposition to each other, and the opposing centres attempt to gain control of the puck after it is dropped between their sticks by an official. One of the referees drops the puck at centre ice...
taker and a gritty, hard-working player, Yelle played seven seasons for the Avalanche from 1995 to 2002, capturing another Stanley Cup in the 2000–01 season.
On October 1, 2002, prior to the 2002–03 season, Stephane was traded by the Avalanche, along with Chris Drury
Chris Drury
Christopher Drury is an American retired professional ice hockey player. Drury is a Hobey Baker Award-winner with Boston University, a Calder Trophy winner with the Colorado Avalanche, a Stanley Cup champion with the Avalanche, a two-time Olympic silver medalist with the United States, and a...
, to the Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the...
for Derek Morris, Dean McAmmond
Dean McAmmond
Dean McAmmond is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. McAmmond has played in the National Hockey League since 1991 for several teams and is currently a free agent.-Pre-NHL career:...
and Jeff Shantz
Jeff Shantz
Jeffrey Shantz is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey centre who last played for the EC KAC in the Austrian Hockey League.-Playing career:...
. Yelle's transition was seamless as he established himself on the Flames checking line, helping Calgary to a 2004 Stanley Cup final appearance after a seven year playoff hiatus. Throughout his five seasons with the Flames, Yelle's versatility and defensive prowess was often highlighted as he would often fill-in as a defenseman
Defenceman (ice hockey)
Defence in ice hockey is a player position whose primary responsibility is to prevent the opposing team from scoring...
when others were out injured.
On September 3, 2008, Yelle was signed to a one-year deal with the Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
. In 2008–09
2008–09 NHL season
The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the season, following three seasons where teams only played against two divisions in the...
, the veteran played in 77 games scoring 18 points with the Eastern Conference leading Bruins.
On August 19, 2009, he signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
. After a slow start to the 2009–10
2009–10 NHL season
The 2009–10 NHL season was the 93rd season of operation of the National Hockey League , and the 100th season since the founding of the predecessor National Hockey Association . It ran from October 1, 2009, including four games in Europe on October 2 and 3—until April 11, 2010, with the 2010...
season, the struggling Hurricanes placed Yelle on waivers on October 26, 2009. He went unclaimed and progressively found his feet, staying on the roster.
On March 3, 2010, Yelle was traded by the Hurricanes, along with Harrison Reed
Harrison Reed (ice hockey)
Harrison Reed is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger currently playing with the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL.-Playing career:...
, to return to the Colorado Avalanche for Cedric Lalonde-McNicoll
Cedric Lalonde-McNicoll
Cedric Lalonde-McNicoll is a Canadian professional ice hockey player currently with the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League.-Junior:Undrafted, McNicoll played Major junior hockey in the QMJHL with the Shawinigan Cataractes...
and a sixth-round draft pick. He has since retired and taken a development coordinator position with the Avalanche.
Career statistics
| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season Season (sports) In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an... |
Team | League | GP | G Goal (ice hockey) In ice hockey, a goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the two goal posts and below the goal crossbar. A goal awards one point to the team attacking the goal scored upon, regardless of which team the player who actually deflected the puck into the goal belongs to... |
A Assist (ice hockey) In ice hockey, an assist is attributed to up to two players of the scoring team who shot, passed or deflected the puck towards the scoring teammate, or touched it in any other way which enabled the goal, meaning that they were "assisting" in the goal. There can be a maximum of two assists per goal... |
Pts Point (ice hockey) Point in ice hockey has three official meanings:* A point is awarded to a player for each goal scored or assist earned. The total number of goals plus assists equals total points. In some European leagues, a goal counts as two points, and an assist counts as one... |
PIM Penalty (ice hockey) A penalty in ice hockey is a punishment for inappropriate behavior. Most penalties are enforced by detaining the offending player within a penalty box for a set number of minutes, during which, the player can not participate in play. The offending team usually may not replace the player on the ice,... |
GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 1991–92 | Oshawa Generals Oshawa Generals The Oshawa Generals are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They are based in Oshawa, Ontario. The team is named for General Motors, an early sponsor which has its Canadian headquarters in Oshawa. The Generals are one of the most successful franchises in Canadian Hockey League... |
OHL Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada.... |
55 | 12 | 14 | 26 | 20 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | ||
| 1992–93 | Oshawa Generals | OHL | 66 | 24 | 50 | 74 | 20 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 4 | ||
| 1993–94 1993–94 OHL season The 1993–94 OHL season was the 14th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Sixteen teams each played 66 games. The North Bay Centennials won the J... |
Oshawa Generals | OHL | 66 | 35 | 69 | 104 | 22 | 5 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 2 | ||
| 1994–95 1994–95 AHL season The 1994–95 AHL season was the 59th season of the American Hockey League. The All-Star Game is revived, with All-Stars grouped into "Team Canada" and "Team USA." Sixteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule... |
Cornwall Aces Cornwall Aces The Cornwall Aces were the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Quebec Nordiques from 1993 to 1995, and the relocated Colorado Avalanche in 1995–96. They were based in the eastern Ontario city of Cornwall, and played at the Ed Lumley Arena inside the Cornwall Civic Complex... |
AHL American Hockey League The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League... |
40 | 18 | 15 | 33 | 22 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 8 | ||
| 1995–96 | Colorado Avalanche Colorado Avalanche The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise... |
NHL National Hockey League The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States... |
71 | 13 | 14 | 27 | 30 | 22 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 8 | ||
| 1996–97 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 79 | 9 | 17 | 26 | 38 | 12 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 2 | ||
| 1997–98 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 81 | 7 | 15 | 22 | 48 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 | ||
| 1998–99 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 72 | 8 | 7 | 15 | 40 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | ||
| 1999–00 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 79 | 8 | 14 | 22 | 28 | 17 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||
| 2000–01 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 50 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 20 | 23 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 8 | ||
| 2001–02 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 73 | 5 | 12 | 17 | 48 | 20 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 14 | ||
| 2002–03 | Calgary Flames Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the... |
NHL | 82 | 10 | 15 | 25 | 50 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2003–04 | Calgary Flames | NHL | 53 | 4 | 13 | 17 | 24 | 23 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 16 | ||
| 2005–06 | Calgary Flames | NHL | 74 | 4 | 14 | 18 | 48 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 8 | ||
| 2006–07 | Calgary Flames | NHL | 56 | 10 | 14 | 24 | 32 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | ||
| 2007–08 | Calgary Flames | NHL | 74 | 3 | 9 | 12 | 20 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | ||
| 2008–09 2008–09 NHL season The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the season, following three seasons where teams only played against two divisions in the... |
Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
NHL | 77 | 7 | 11 | 18 | 32 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||
| 2009–10 2009–10 NHL season The 2009–10 NHL season was the 93rd season of operation of the National Hockey League , and the 100th season since the founding of the predecessor National Hockey Association . It ran from October 1, 2009, including four games in Europe on October 2 and 3—until April 11, 2010, with the 2010... |
Carolina Hurricanes Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center... |
NHL | 59 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 28 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2009–10 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 11 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | ||
| NHL totals | 991 | 96 | 169 | 265 | 490 | 171 | 11 | 21 | 32 | 90 | ||||