Donald Brashear Biography
Donald Brashear is an American former professional hockey player who played for five organizations in the National Hockey League (NHL) over a 23-year pro career, in which he played the role of an enforcer.
He was among the NHL leaders in penalty minutes for six seasons, while finishing his career 15th all-time in penalty minutes. He remains the Vancouver Canucks’ all-time single-season leader in penalty minutes, which he set in the 1997–98 season.
10 Quick Facts About Donald Brashear
- Name: Donald Brashear
- Age: 52 Years Old
- Birthday: January 7
- Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
- Height: 6 feet 3 inches
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Hockey Player
- Marital Status: Not Known
- Salary: Not Known
- Net worth: Not Known
Donald Brashear Age
Donald 52 years old. He was born on January 7, 1972, in Indiana, United States. He celebrates his birthday on January 7 every year and his birth sign is Capricorn.
Donald Brashear Height
Donald stands at a height of 6 ft 3 in (191 cm).
Donald Brashear Weight
Donald weighs 240 lb (109 kg; 17 st 2 lb).
Early Life and Education
Brashear relocated to Val-Bélair, Quebec, his mother’s ancestral village, during his childhood. At the age of eight, he moved to Val-Bélair and joined a new foster home, where he embraced hockey alongside his new siblings.
To support his hockey passion, Brashear engaged in entrepreneurial endeavors like selling baked goods and garbage bags door-to-door and later worked as a paper boy. His early involvement in minor ice hockey teams from Quebec City includes participation in the 1984, 1985, and 1986 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments.
Donald Brashear Family
Brashear is the youngest of three children and was born in Bedford, Indiana, to an American father, Johnny Brashear, and Nicole Gauthier. Raised in an abusive environment, Donald experienced severe mistreatment from his alcoholic father, who physically harmed him, even hurling him through a window at six months old.
Nicole, fearing for her life, initially left the family but returned later to retrieve the children, leaving Donald behind due to his father’s prejudice. After enduring further abuse, Donald moved in with his mother in Lorretteville, Quebec, but faced racism from his stepfather, leading to additional mistreatment.
Ultimately, due to his challenging behavior and the impact of prior abuse, his mother placed him in foster care. He lived in different foster homes that found him challenging to handle.
Donald Brashear Wife
Brashear is a father of two sons, Jordan and Jaxxson. He went through a separation from their mother, Gabrielle Desgagne, in 2007. He maintains a distant relationship with his birth family, including a half-brother, citing the childhood abuse inflicted by his father as a significant factor.
He is a very private individual when it comes to his personal life. As of now, details about his dating, relationship status, or marital status are undisclosed, and we are actively monitoring for updates.
Donald Brashear Salary
Donald has signed 2 contracts worth a total value of $4,000,000. Over a career that spans 16 seasons (with at least 1 NHL GP), he has a total of 205 Pts in 1025 GP and 9 playoff Pts in 60 GP.
Donald Brashear Net Worth
Donald’s net worth is currently publicly unavailable. This includes his assets, money, and income. His primary source of income is his career as a hockey player. Through his various sources of income, Donald has been able to accumulate good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Donald Brashear Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Donald Brashear
Donald Brashear Wiki
- Full Names: Donald Brashear
- Popular As: Donald Brashear
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Hockey Player
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: Not Known
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Donald Brashear Birthday
- Age: 52 Years Old
- Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
- Date of Birth: January 7, 1972
- Place of Birth: United States
- Birthday: January 7
Donald Brashear Body Measurements
- Height / How Tall?: 6 feet 3 inches
- Weight: 104 kg
- Eye Color: Hazel
- Hair Color: Black
- Shoe Size: Not Known
Donald Brashear Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Johnny Brashear
- Mother: Nicole Brashear
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Danny Roy
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Dating / Wife: Gabrielle Desgagne (m. ?–2007)
- Children: Jordan Brashear, Jackson Brashear
PriDonald Brashear Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: Not Known
- Salary: Not Known
- Source of Income: His career as a hockey player
Career
Donald was signed as a free agent by the Montreal Canadiens in 1992 and spent parts of three AHL seasons with the Fredericton Canadiens before becoming an NHL regular. His 1993–94 AHL season saw career highs of 38 goals and 66 points, along with 250 Penalty Minutes (PIMs) in 62 games. Making his NHL debut on November 15, 1993, against the Ottawa Senators, he registered an assist and scored his first NHL goal two days later against the Edmonton Oilers.
After four seasons with the Canadiens, a heated exchange with Head Coach Mario Tremblay on November 9, 1996, led to his trade to the Vancouver Canucks for Jassen Cullimore four days later. In the 1997–98 season, Brashear led the NHL in penalty minutes, setting a Canucks franchise record with 372 PIMs and adding 18 points.
The following season, 1998–99, marked the only time he played all 82 games, again leading the Canucks in penalty minutes and finishing eighth in the NHL. In the 1999–2000 season, despite setting a career-high in goals with 11, a highly publicized incident of excessive violence marred the season.
McSorley incident
During a February 21, 2000 Canucks home game against the Boston Bruins, Brashear fought Marty McSorley, winning handily and taunting the Bruins’ bench. Later, Brashear collided with Bruins goaltender Byron Dafoe, injuring him. Seeking a rematch, McSorley swung his stick at Brashear’s head, causing a grade-three concussion. McSorley received an indefinite NHL suspension and assault with a weapon charge.
At trial, Brashear had no memory of the incident, while McSorley claimed a missed shoulder hit led to the headshot. McSorley was found guilty and sentenced to 18 months of probation. The incident ended McSorley’s career, and Brashear returned to play before the season’s end.
Style
Brashear in fights, he uses balance, upper-body strength, and ambidextrous skills. Considered one of the toughest and most feared players in the NHL, Brashear was named Enforcer of the Decade in 2010. Recognized for his strategic fighting, he knew when to use his skills for team momentum. Despite aging, he maintained an intimidating presence but fought less. The Hockey News praised his skills, noting weaknesses in puck handling and passing as he aged.
Final Thoughts
Donald is truly inspiring, demonstrating the heights we can reach when we persevere and remain determined.
Donald Brashear Social Media Contacts
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