SAD NEWS: Beloved Canadiens Member and 1993 Stanley Cup Champion Passes Away at 56
Beloved Canadiens Member and 1993 Stanley Cup Champion Jacques “J.P.” Perrier Passes Away at 56
Montreal, QC – May 27, 2025* — The Montreal Canadiens organization and hockey fans across Canada are mourning the loss of Jacques “J.P.” Perrier, a cherished member of the 1993 Stanley Cup-winning team, who passed away peacefully on Sunday at the age of 56. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, but his family confirmed he had been battling a prolonged illness.
Perrier, known for his tireless work ethic on the ice and his even greater humility off it, played right wing for the Canadiens from 1990 to 1997. Though not a headline-grabbing scorer, Perrier’s gritty, blue-collar play style made him a fan favorite at the old Montreal Forum and later at the Bell Centre. His pivotal role in the Canadiens’ improbable 1993 Stanley Cup run cemented his legacy among Habs faithful.
“It’s a very sad day for the Canadiens family,” said Canadiens president Geoff Molson in a statement. “J.P. was the kind of player every team needs to win championships. He was selfless, courageous, and had an unwavering love for the game and his teammates. But more importantly, he was an incredible human being.”
Born in Trois-Rivières, Quebec in 1969, Perrier was drafted in the sixth round by the Canadiens in 1987. After spending two seasons with the AHL’s Fredericton Canadiens, he broke into the NHL during the 1990-91 season, where his hustle and penalty-killing prowess quickly caught the attention of coaches and fans alike.
In the 1993 postseason, Perrier contributed three key goals and several crucial defensive plays. Though overshadowed by the heroics of Patrick Roy and the offensive spark of Vincent Damphousse and Kirk Muller, Perrier’s dogged forechecking and shot-blocking helped shut down opposing stars night after night. He logged heavy minutes on the penalty kill and was often seen throwing himself in front of slapshots without hesitation.
“Without guys like J.P., we don’t win that Cup,” said former teammate and fellow ’93 champion Guy Carbonneau. “He never cared about credit. He just did the hard work no one else wanted to do. And in the locker room? He was the heart. Always smiling, always lifting everyone up.”
After retiring from professional hockey in 1999 following stints in Europe and the minor leagues, Perrier returned to Quebec and dedicated himself to youth hockey development. He founded the Perrier Hockey Academy in 2003, which provided free training and mentorship to underprivileged kids across the province.
Dozens of his pupils went on to play collegiate and professional hockey, but Perrier remained grounded, always crediting “the kids” for inspiring him to give back.
Perrier also served as a part-time color commentator for RDS between 2012 and 2020, known for his blunt yet endearing takes and unmatched knowledge of the game’s grittier details.
He is survived by his wife, Élise, their two children, Mathieu and Camille, and a legacy that will echo in the hearts of Canadiens fans for generations.
The Canadiens will honor Perrier with a pre-game ceremony before their next home game, and the team has announced they will wear a commemorative patch bearing his No. 28 for the remainder of the season.
“He wasn’t just a champion,” said former coach Jacques Demers. “He was the soul of that team.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. In lieu of flowers, the Perrier family asks for donations to be made to thePerrier Hockey Academy.