Tampa Bay Lightning forward Yanni Gourde is set to receive one of the highest honors from his junior club.
This week, the Victoriaville Tigers announced that Gourde’s No. 23 jersey will be retired on Feb. 5, 2027, making him the 10th player in franchise history to have his number raised to the rafters at Colisée Desjardins.
Gourde spent three seasons with the Tigers from 2009-12 after going un-drafted in the QMJHL. He broke out during the 2011-12 season, recording 124 points in 68 games with 37 goals and 87 assists to lead the QMJHL in scoring and win the Jean Béliveau Trophy.
In 199 regular-season games with Victoriaville, Gourde recorded 221 points, including 74 goals and 147 assists. He added 18 points in 29 playoff games.
Gourde’s path from an un-drafted junior player to the NHL was an example of perseverance. He worked his way through the ECHL and American Hockey League before establishing himself as an NHL regular with the Lightning.
Gourde became an important part of the Lightning’s back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021, playing a key role as a versatile two-way forward. He later spent four seasons with the Seattle Kraken before returning to Tampa Bay at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. Since then, he's picked up where he left off, setting the tone with his grit and the energy he brings to the lineup. Now, Gourde will have his No. 23 permanently honored by the organization that helped launch his professional career.
