Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation

2004 — Junior Lessard

University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs

Lessard, the Bulldogs’ alternate captain, became the seventh Bulldog to be named a Hobey Baker finalist. Lessard came away with top honors in the WCHA by securing a spot on the All-WCHA First Team and claimed the illustrious honor of WCHA Player of the year for 2003-04. Lessard helped the Bulldogs advance to the Frozen Four for the first time in 11 years. He was rewarded for his efforts by being named to the NCAA Midwest All-Regional Tournament Team. He led the nation in points (61) and in goals (30). He was the WCHA co-scoring leader with 19 goals and 20 assists in league play. He also ranked tied for second in the NCAA in power play goals with 12. Lessard ranked fourth in the NCAA in points per game at 1.46. His prolific goal scoring helped secure UMD to its highest (second) and the best regular season finish (23-10-4) in 11 years. Not withstanding his scoring ability, he was a +22 plus-minus on the season.

After spending his first five years of pro hockey split between the NHL (Dallas, Tampa Bay) and several AHL teams, Junior spent one season playing in Europe and the 2010-11 season with Idaho in the ECHL.  He has retired from pro hockey and resides in his hometown of St. Joseph deBeauce, Quebec.