Yvon Labre

Yvon Jules Labre (born November 29, 1949) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player.

Early life Labre was born in Sudbury, Ontario.

Pro career

He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins, for whom he played 37 games before being selected by the Washington Capitals in the 1974 NHL Expansion Draft. Labre scored the first-ever home goal for Washington, beating the Los Angeles Kings' goaltender Rogie Vachon. Although he was never one to put up big offensive numbers, Labre's value was noted in being a hard-nosed defensive defenceman 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, colour commentator, scout and the director of community relations for the Capitals. Labre's jersey number (#7) was retired by the Capitals on November 22, 1981, and he is the only player in franchise history to wear the number.

Career statistics Regular Season Playoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 1966–67 Markham Waxers MetJHL 32 0 14 14 — — — — — — 1967–68 Toronto Marlboros OHA-Jr. 43 4 8 12 107 5 0 0 0 18 1968–69 Toronto Marlboros OHA-Jr. 54 1 16 17 185 6 1 1 2 26 1969–70 Baltimore Clippers AHL 64 1 8 9 111 5 0 2 2 38 1970–71 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 21 1 1 2 19 — — — — — 1970–71 Amarillo Wranglers CHL 42 2 9 11 125 — — — — — 1971–72 Hershey Bears AHL 59 3 9 12 134 4 2 1 3 20 1972–73 Hershey Bears AHL 72 8 29 37 170 7 1 3 4 35 1973–74 Hershey Bears AHL 56 6 23 29 135 14 1 5 6 42 1973–74 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 16 1 2 3 13 — — — — — 1974–75 Washington Capitals NHL 76 4 23 27 182 — — — — — 1975–76 Washington Capitals NHL 80 2 20 22 146 — — — — — 1976–77 Washington Capitals NHL 62 3 11 14 169 — — — — — 1977–78 Hershey Bears AHL 21 1 6 7 72 — — — — — 1977–78 Washington Capitals NHL 22 0 8 8 41 — — — — — 1978–79 Washington Capitals NHL 51 1 13 14 80 — — — — — 1979–80 Washington Capitals NHL 18 0 5 5 38 — — — — — 1980–81 Washington Capitals NHL 25 2 4 6 100 — — — — — AHL totals 272 19 75 94 622 30 4 11 15 135 NHL totals 371 14 87 101 788 — — — — —