1989-90: Luc Beausoleil’s legacy from one prolific season with Fife Flyers
It was in the Lang Toun that the quietly spoken French Canadian forward asked his girlfriend, Barbara, to marry him.
Beausoleil’s short but hugely impressive UK career was recalled this week in an interview with Mark Easton, which sparked many memories for old-time hockey fans.
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Hide AdBeausoleil, from Montreal, first came to the UK aged just 20 to play with Murrayfield Racers in 1988/89, replacing the injured Dennis Paul.
In just 33 games, he racked up a remarkable 156 points.
He proved the perfect foil for Tony Hand, describing the UK’s greatest player of all time as “magical with the puck.”
Season 1989/90 brought him to Kirkcaldy
Fellow import Rick Fera became his line-mate, and the duo proved just as prolific.
They powered coach Rab Petrie’s team, with Mike Rowe as the defensive rock.
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Hide AdThe bench also included Gordon Latto, Lindsay Lovell, Pal Hand - a huge signing from rivals Racers, Neil Abel and Les Millie.
Beausoleil and Fera provided the firepower - their stats of 124 and 153 points respectively, were streaks ahead of the rest of the team.
“He and I were magical together,” Beausoleil said. “He was so patient with the puck and was always able to find me on the ice. “
Beausoleil reflects on the thrill, and heartache, of the British championship finals weekend at Wembley, and the subsequent move which took south after just one season in Kirkcaldy.
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Hide AdHe returned to Canada in 1992, and began another remarkable chapter with the Tulsa Oilers where he went on to become a club legend.
In 2003, the club retired his #17 jersey - the greatest accolade any pro player can get.
Announcing the jersey retiral, Jeff Lund, owner of the Oilers said: “When you think of the Number 17 in Tulsa, you think of Luc Beausoleil. He was a great ambassador for the sport of hockey, the Tulsa Oilers organisation, and to the community of Tulsa.”
> Read Mark Easton’s full interview with Luc Beausoleil, which covers his entire playing career, including how he worked with the legendary Wayne Gretzy here: