Pierre-Luc Letourneau Leblond, known as “PL3” in the hockey world is entering his 10^th season as a professional hockey player after being selected 216^th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils.  Although known more for his toughness and fighting ability, finishing 3^rd in the American Hockey League in penalty minutes with 259 during the 2013-14 regular season, Leblond is utilizing his experience to adjust his game to help the Penguins organization both on and off the ice. 

In Leblond’s first NHL preseason in 2009-10, he fought tough guy Donald Brashear.  Leblond admitted that fighting a guy with a reputation like Brashear was nerve racking but it gave him an opportunity to showcase what he could bring to the team.  “Brashear didn’t have to fight me because he was established, but he gave me a chance to prove myself.  It helped give me a chance at the NHL and I got my first game that year.”

Watch Pierre-Luc Leblond vs Donald Brashear

Leblond has still had to face his fair share of tough opponents over the years including Zenon Konopka, Jay Rosehill, Jody Shelley, Shawn Thorton, Cam Janssen, Jared Boll, and Aaron Asham.  “The toughest fighter I faced was Shawn Thorton because he was so technical and honest.  He would ask if I was okay and we would keep going.”

As fighting is viewed by some as outdated in the modern day NHL, teams appear to be looking for skill first and toughness second.  However, Leblond believes there still is room for fighting in the NHL.  “Fighting is a natural part of the game through the physicality, competition, and toughness.  I don’t know if there is room for goons or strictly enforcers anymore, so I have been honing my skills.” 

Leblond has the distinction of being the recipient of the first suspension handed down by Brendan Shanahan as Senior Vice President of Player Safety for the NHL, video recorded explanation and all, where he was assessed 5 games for his hit on Vancouver Canucks forward Matt Clackson.  This was a tough experience for Leblond especially having played with Shanahan in his first year in New Jersey and knowing that the play would be analyzed by many in the hockey community who were witnessing a new method of justifying sanctions.  “Knowing the way he played, it was weird to have him discipline me,” said Leblond.  Despite not being happy with the suspension, Leblond thinks Shanahan did a great job in his role with the NHL.  “He was consistent with suspensions, good at protecting players, and the videos helped players understand what they did wrong and learned from it, making the game safer.  I just happened to be the first one.”

Watch Brendan Shanahan’s first NHL suspension video

Growing up in Quebec, PL3 took interest in players like Mark Messier, Jeremy Roenick, and Ron Francis.  He liked guys that would play tough and had skill, while not necessarily focusing on enforcers.  “You have superstars and guys who play the fourth line, but the mix of the two is what to me makes hockey so special.  Everyone has a role on the team which is one of the reasons why I love the game.”

Leblond has played for 13 different teams and called 7 different states/provinces home throughout his pro hockey career.  However this season feels different off the ice to PL3, now that he is married, and after the happy couple gave birth to their first child this past summer.  “It wasn’t hard for me my first six seasons because I would just pack my bag and go, but now, after being away from home for a few days it feels like I haven’t seen my kid in forever.” 

As a veteran player, Leblond has adapted his preparation so that he arrives at the rink 3 hours prior to game time where he has time with teammates in the dressing room.  He ensures that he provides leadership in the dressing room to make his teammates feel comfortable and show that he cares.  Leblond is also the PHPA Player Representative for the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins and is responsible for bridging the gap between the union and dressing room, helping teammates understand the benefits provided by their union.  “The PHPA really takes care of things behind the scenes in so many ways.  They make sure we are respected, and take a lot of pressure off the players with conditions negotiated through the Collective Bargaining Agreement.  The health benefits department and Career Enhancement Program are huge assets for players.”

After attending the PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives this past June in Las Vegas, Leblond was asked to participate and provide input on behalf of his fellow players at the AHL Board of Governors Meeting in Hilton Head, South Carolina, providing a new perspective of how he sees owners.  “From a players standpoint, you don’t really spend much time with management.  But after taking part in those meetings, I couldn’t believe the passion that the owners and General Managers have for this sport.”  

Although he suited up for one game with Pittsburgh last season bringing his total NHL games played to 41, PL3 will likely start this season in Wilkes Barre with the hope of adding to his NHL tally.  “We had a great team here last season with an amazing group of guys.  It was nice having a large fan base and a beautiful rink to play in.  The coaching staff did a fantastic job in making players better each day and preparing us if we were called up.”

If Pittsburgh should come calling, Leblond will be ready, bringing forth a number of different elements and attributes to help the Penguins achieve hockey’s ultimate prize.