Gatineau Olympiques to Retire Benoît Brunet’s Number 17

On January 15, 2027, the Olympiques de Gatineau will retire the number 17 worn by former forward Benoît Brunet, making him the 13th player in franchise history to receive the organization’s highest honor, according to reporting by TVA Gatineau, RDS, and Le Soleil. Brunet recorded 323 points in 193 regular-season games during his junior career with the Hull Olympiques from 1985 to 1988, a prolific scoring pace that stands in sharp contrast to the 539 total games he would later play in the National Hockey League.

Junior Scoring Dominance in Hull

During his three seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Brunet established himself as a dominant offensive force for the franchise. RDS reported that the forward posted consecutive seasons of 70, 110, and 143 points, which included a 54-goal campaign during his standout 143-point year. Le Soleil noted that in addition to his 323 regular-season points derived from 130 goals and 193 assists, Brunet contributed another 44 points across 31 postseason contests. TVA Gatineau added that his cumulative regular-season output places him fifth all-time in franchise history.

Brunet Wins Two President's Trophies After Recruitment Struggles

Brunet’s path to junior hockey required direct intervention from team builders. According to Le Soleil, former builder Charles Henry and coach Pat Burns traveled directly to Brunet’s home to recruit him, overcoming initial resistance from his father, who insisted that the young player prioritize his education. RDS confirmed that Brunet helped lead the team to two President’s Trophies—now known as the Gilles-Courteau Trophy—capturing titles in 1986 and 1988, though the squad fell just short of a Memorial Cup title by losing in the 1986 final. Selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round (27th overall) of the 1986 NHL entry draft, Brunet went on to record 101 goals and 262 points in the NHL with the Canadiens, the Dallas Stars, and the Ottawa Senators, capped by winning the Stanley Cup with Montreal in 1993.

Surprise Announcement at the Bell Centre

The announcement of the upcoming jersey retirement was delivered to Brunet in a surprise reveal during the first intermission of the Montreal Canadiens’ season-opening game at the Bell Centre on October 6, 2026. RDS and TVA Gatineau reported that former teammate and fellow Olympiques immortal Maxime Talbot broke the news to Brunet live on RDS broadcasts. I am really surprised, I didn’t expect that, Brunet told RDS, reflecting on his junior career. I had a lot of fun with the Hull Olympiques and I had the chance to play with excellent players. I learned a lot during my time there. He will be the first player to receive this recognition since Pavel Rosa in 2024.

Ceremony at Centre Slush Puppie

Brunet will join a distinguished group of club legends that includes Luc Robitaille, Maxim Talbot, José Théodore, and builder Charles Henry. Olympiques board chairman François Beaudry emphasized in a statement reported by Le Soleil that recognizing Brunet is essential for preserving the team’s historical traditions. The number 17 jersey banner will officially be hoisted to the rafters during a pre-game ceremony on January 15, 2027, at the Centre Slush Puppie, requiring current Olympiques forward Finn Barton to select a new sweater number.