Alexandre Burrows, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, is best known for his time with the Vancouver Canucks in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on April 11, 1981, in Pincourt, Quebec, Burrows' journey to the NHL was unconventional. He was not drafted by any NHL team, which is a common path for many players. Instead, he began his professional career in the lower leagues, playing in the ECHL with the Greenville Grrrowl and the Baton Rouge Kingfish.
Burrows' tenacity and skill eventually earned him a spot in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Manitoba Moose, the Canucks' affiliate team. His performance in the AHL caught the attention of the Vancouver Canucks, and he was called up to the NHL during the 2005-2006 season. Burrows quickly became known for his gritty playing style and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Throughout his career with the Canucks, Burrows was often placed on the team's top line alongside the Sedin twins, Henrik and Daniel. This line became one of the most effective in the league, with Burrows complementing the Sedins' playmaking abilities with his knack for scoring goals. One of his most memorable moments came during the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs when he scored the series-winning goal in overtime against the Chicago Blackhawks, ending a long-standing rivalry between the two teams.
Burrows' role on the team extended beyond just scoring. He was known for his defensive capabilities and his ability to agitate opponents, often drawing penalties that benefited his team. His style of play made him a fan favorite in Vancouver, where he spent the majority of his NHL career.
In 2017, Burrows was traded to the Ottawa Senators, where he continued to play until the end of his NHL career in 2018. After retiring as a player, Burrows transitioned into coaching, taking on a role with the AHL's Laval Rocket as an assistant coach. His experience and knowledge of the game have been valuable assets in his coaching career.
Throughout his time in the NHL, Burrows played over 900 games, scoring more than 200 goals and providing numerous assists.
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