Michel Mongeau

Michel Mongeau (born February 9, 1965) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre. He played 54 games in the National Hockey League, 50 with the St. Louis Blues and four with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

He was a teamate of Mario Lemieux on the junior Laval Voisins. Mongeau was not drafted by any NHL team. He turned pro in 1986 with the Saginaw Generals of the International League but his first seasons were interrupted by several hernia operations. His career never really got off the ground.

After two stints with the St. Louis Blues and one with the Tampa Bay Lightning from 1991-93 his NHL career was over.

Mongeau played until 2002 in the minor pros, Europe, and Quebec semi-pro hockey.

Mongeau certainly faced his share of physical misfortune which definitely slowed down the potential for a stronger career, but the worst happened during a game in 1993-94 in an incident while playing in the IHL with the Peoria Rivermen. Mongeau was cross-checked hard from behind by Cleveland's Chris Tamer. He was catapulted head-first into the goal post, resulting in seven facial fractures. He now has three metal plates in his face. He had his jaw wired shut for a month and forced him out of hockey for a year. Mongeau sued Tamer, but the first trial ended in a mistrial. At the second trial, few of the original witnesses were available and the case was lost, being deemed an accident.

Awards

 * 1986-87 Gary F. Longman Memorial Trophy (top rookie IHL - shared with Ed Belfour)
 * 1990-91 James Gatschene Memorial Trophy (most valuable player IHL)