Simplistically stated: "A man who indulges in hockey play."
Montreal-born Mathieu Darche's journey to the National Hockey League was not a conventional one. Despite growing up in a sports-loving family - his brother Jean-Philippe enjoyed a nine-year stint in the NFL - Darche was never perceived as a hockey prodigy.
Recalling his teenage years, classmate and defenseman Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre of Notre-Dame College reports that Darche wasn't a scout's highlight during that period. Instead of the typical route into midget AAA ranks or Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), Darche opted for a preparatory school in Connecticut where he played both hockey and football.
Jean-Philippe Darche, Mathieu's brother, recalls that Mathieu was a starting linebacker on defense and a running back on offense. With college football prospects in sight, it's clear that Mathieu could have pursued a career in football instead. The brothers even played together on McGill University's football team during the mid-1990s. Upon the football season's end, Mathieu transitioned to the university's hockey squad.
Marrying Stephanie in his university years, Darche finished second in the nation in scoring during his final season at McGill. Coach Martin Raymond was struck by his offensive prowess but equally impressed by his "extraordinary hockey sense."
With a degree in commerce, marketing, and international business, Darche aimed for the pro circuit. In 2000-2001, he signed his first NHL contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets but spent most of his first season, and many subsequent ones, in their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate in Syracuse.
Mathieu'sClose friend and formerclassmate Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre noted a change in approach when they reconnected in Germany during the 2005-2006 season. Grand-Pierre emphasized that Darche demonstrated a keen understanding of the big picture - considering not just on-ice activity but also the broader organization.
Back in North America, Darche had his best AHL season and joined the Tampa Bay Lightning for his first full NHL campaign at the age of 31. In Tampa, he reunited with another Notre-Dame College classmate, Martin St-Louis.
After a single season, Darche emerged as a trailblazer yet again, joining the Montreal Canadiens' organization when their farm team, the Hamilton Bulldogs, hired a young coach named Guy Boucher. As a former teammate and coach at McGill, Boucher asked Bulldogs' General Manager Julien BriseBois to acquire Darche.
In Hamilton, Darche strengthened his friendship with Boucher and built a rapport with BriseBois, who is the same age as Darche. David Desharnais, a teammate in Hamilton, observed the duo frequently discussing with the general manager. "You could see the connection between the two," noted Desharnais, "He had a different perspective on everything."
Initially employed as a mentor for the young players in Hamilton, Mathieu Darche quickly moved beyond the minor leagues. Recalled by the Canadiens in January 2010, he spent the remainder of his NHL career with the team before retiring in 2012.
In the midst of the 2012 lockout that halted NHL operations, Darche was an active participant in the Players' Association negotiating committee to finalize a new collective bargaining agreement. Leveraging his influence, he mobilized his teammates to push for the best possible outcome.
Returning to active hockey after the lockout, Darche tried out with the New Jersey Devils but didn't secure a contract. He subsequently announced his retirement and has since transitioned into executive roles, serving as General Manager of the New York Islanders.
Mathieu Darche's unique blend of athletic prowess, academic achievements, and business acumen allowed him to leave an indelible mark in the NHL and continue his successful career beyond his playing days.
Despite Mathieu Darche's brother, Jean-Philippe, having a nine-year stint in the NFL and Mathieu showing promising skills in college football, Mathieu chose to pursue a career in hockey instead. In contrast to his teenage years when he was not a scout's highlight in hockey, Darche showcased extraordinary hockey sense and offensive prowess in his college and professional career.
