On August 31, 2023, the hockey world mourned the loss of Émile Gagné, a talented Canadian junior hockey player. Tragically, he passed away in a car accident at the age of 19. Émile had made a name for himself as a left winger, showcasing his skills for the Joliette Prédateurs and the Mobux de McMaster in the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League. Throughout his hockey journey, he had also donned the jerseys of the Princeville Titan and the Estacades de Trois-Rivières.
In 2019, Émile Gagné was drafted by the Cataractes de Shawinigan, though he never had the chance to play for them. Despite his young age, he had already earned the admiration and affection of the hockey community for his remarkable talent, unbridled passion for the sport, and his warm personality. On the ice, he was often likened to a magician, and off the ice, he was celebrated as a great teammate and a genuinely kind individual.
Émile’s untimely death sent shockwaves through those who knew him and those who had looked up to him. His family, friends, coaches, teammates, and fans came together to express their grief and condolences on social media and through various media outlets. Émile’s mother, Sonia Désilets, spoke with pride about her son’s decision to be an organ donor, a choice that ultimately saved six lives.
While funeral details for Émile Gagné have yet to be announced, he will forever be remembered as a young man who left an indelible mark on the world of hockey and in the hearts of many. May he rest in peace.
Émile Gagné Family
Émile Gagné’s family includes his parents, Richard Gagné and Sonia Désilets, as well as his siblings. His mother hails from Trois-Rivières, where Émile spent his formative years and first started playing hockey. His father’s roots are in Princeville, the same town where Émile proudly played for the Titan. The Gagné family remains in the Mauricie region and has received an outpouring of love and support from both the hockey community and the public.
Émile Gagné was not just a hockey player; he was a cherished member of the larger hockey family. He had the privilege of representing various Quebec teams, including the Estacades de Trois-Rivières, the Cataractes de Shawinigan, the Titan de Princeville, the Prédateurs de Joliette, and the Mobux de McMaster. His teammates, coaches, rivals, and fans all held him in high regard for his exceptional talent, boundless passion, and genuine, kind-hearted nature.
The Gagné family takes immense pride in Émile and his decision to become an organ donor, a selfless act that brought hope and life to six individuals. His mother, Sonia, expressed her feelings, saying, “It warms my heart, that’s for sure. We’ve always been proud of him.”
Émile Gagné’s memory will live on, not only in the hockey world but also in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May he find eternal peace.