About Éric Bélanger
Éric Bélanger (born December 16, 1977) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played the majority of his professional career as a centre in the National Hockey League (NHL), representing the Los Angeles Kings, Carolina Hurricanes, Atlanta Thrashers, Minnesota Wild, Washington Capitals, Phoenix Coyotes and Edmonton Oilers. He was originally drafted in the fourth round, 96th overall, in the 1996 NHL entry draft by Los Angeles. In 2021, Bélanger was named the first head coach the Trois-Rivières Lions, an expansion team in the ECHL affiliated with the Montreal Canadiens. He has also served as an assistant coach for the UQTR Patriotes men's ice hockey team. == Playing career == === Minor hockey === As a youth, Bélanger played in the 1991 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Orford, Quebec. === Junior hockey === ==== Beauport Harfangs (1994–1997) ==== Bélanger was selected 35th overall in the third round of the 1994 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Entry Draft by the Beauport Harfangs. In his first season with Beauport, Bélanger played in 71 games and scored 12 goals and 40 points. In the 1995 QMJHL playoffs, Bélanger scored five goals and 14 points as the Harfangs were eliminated in the semifinals by the Hull Olympiques. In 1995–96, Bélanger scored 83 points and 35 goals in 59 games.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.