Yvon Labre

Yvon Jules Labre, a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman, was born November 29, 1949, in Sudbury, Ontario. He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins, for whom he played 37 games before being selected by the Washington Capitals in the 1974 NHL Expansion Draft. Labre scored the first-ever home goal for Washington, beating Los Angeles Kings goaltender Rogie Vachon. He was never one to put up big offensive numbers; his value lay in being a hard-nosed defensive defenceman on the ice and an active participant in community and youth hockey programs off it. That dedication to a team in a location not known for a rich hockey history made him one of the Capitals' most popular players during his time there. Labre served as team captain from 1976 to 1978. He remained in the Capitals organization after his playing career ended, working at various times as an assistant coach, colour commentator, scout, and the director of community relations. His jersey number 7 was retired by the Capitals on November 22, 1981.