Phil Bourque – Pittsburgh Penguins Legend Celebrates 40 Years of Hockey Excellence
Phil Bourque, affectionately known in Pittsburgh hockey circles, carved out a unique path in the NHL despite never being drafted. The determined forward signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 4, 1982, beginning a journey that would become deeply intertwined with the franchise’s history. Born in Chelmsford, Massachusetts on June 8, 1962, Bourque developed into a reliable left-winger who contributed to two Stanley Cup championships with the Penguins.
Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 196 pounds, Bourque brought a physical presence to the ice during his playing career that spanned from 1980 to 2000. After hanging up his skates, he didn’t stray far from the game he loved. Today, hockey fans can still hear his insights as he serves as the Pittsburgh Penguins radio analyst, bringing his championship experience and hockey knowledge to broadcasts. His perspective offers listeners an insider’s view of the organization he’s been connected to for decades.
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Early Life and Career
Phil Bourque’s journey to becoming a Pittsburgh Penguins icon began with humble origins and a determination that would define his career. Despite facing the challenge of being undrafted, Bourque’s passion and skill would eventually lead him to Stanley Cup glory.
Undrafted Beginnings
Born on June 8, 1962, in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Phil Bourque showed early promise as a hockey player. Unlike many NHL stars, Bourque wasn’t spotted and drafted by a major team out of high school or college.
Instead of staying in the United States, Bourque made the bold decision to head north to Canada. He chose to develop his skills in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), playing for the Kingston Canadians in the late 1970s. This move demonstrated his commitment to pursuing a professional hockey career.
The path was challenging, but Bourque’s determination never wavered. His time in Canada helped him develop the skills and hockey IQ that would later catch the eye of professional scouts.
Progress to Professional Hockey
Bourque’s professional breakthrough came when the Pittsburgh Penguins took a chance on the undrafted player. This opportunity would lead to a remarkable 18-year professional career that included winning two Stanley Cup championships with the Penguins in 1991 and 1992.
His versatility became a valuable asset for the Penguins. Bourque could play both forward and defense, making him a flexible option for coaches. His adaptability and work ethic endeared him to teammates and fans alike.
Bourque spent 10 years with the Penguins organization as a player, establishing himself as a reliable contributor and fan favorite. His journey from undrafted prospect to Stanley Cup champion exemplifies the perseverance that defined his career.
Pittsburgh Penguins Tenure
Phil Bourque became a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Penguins organization during the team’s rise to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His versatility and team-first mentality helped establish the foundation for what would become a hockey dynasty.
Notable Teammates
Bourque had the privilege of sharing the ice with some of hockey’s greatest talents during his time in Pittsburgh. Most notably, he played alongside Mario Lemieux, one of the game’s most transcendent talents. Their partnership began when Bourque joined the Penguins in the 1983-84 season.
The defensive-minded Bourque also complemented the offensive wizardry of a young Jaromir Jagr, who would go on to become one of the NHL’s most prolific scorers.
What made Bourque particularly valuable was his adaptability. He could play both forward and defense, making him an essential utility player during Pittsburgh’s championship runs.
Stanley Cup Victories
Bourque’s contributions to the Penguins culminated in back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992. These victories represented the franchise’s first championships and established the Penguins as an NHL powerhouse.
In the 1991 championship run, Bourque contributed solid defensive play while adding timely scoring. The Penguins defeated the Minnesota North Stars to claim their first Cup.
The 1992 repeat performance further cemented Bourque’s legacy with the franchise. The team swept the Chicago Blackhawks, with Bourque playing a key shutdown role.
| Season | Team | Games | Goals | Assists | Points | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983-84 | Pittsburgh | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -2 |
| 1984-85 | Pittsburgh | 36 | 3 | 8 | 11 | -10 |
After his playing career, Bourque maintained his connection to the franchise as a radio analyst, where he continues to share insights from his championship days.
Post-Penguins Career
After his successful stint with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Phil Bourque continued his professional hockey career with several other organizations while eventually finding his voice in broadcasting.
New York Rangers and Beyond
Following his time with the Penguins, Bourque joined the New York Rangers for a brief stint during the 1992-93 season. The transition wasn’t seamless for the Massachusetts native, as he struggled to find the same chemistry he had developed during his championship years in Pittsburgh.
Bourque’s journey didn’t end there. He continued his professional career with stops in several organizations including the Boston Bruins organization and Washington Capitals system. His versatility as both a forward and defenseman made him valuable, though he spent significant time in the minor leagues during this phase.
The veteran’s final NHL appearances came during the mid-1990s before he eventually retired from professional play. His career statistics reflect a player valued more for grit than scoring prowess:
| Team | Seasons | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penguins | 1983-1992 | 344 | 38 | 85 | 123 | 441 |
| Rangers | 1992-1993 | 14 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
| Other | 1993-1996 | 19 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 12 |
International Play
Bourque’s international hockey experience remained limited compared to his NHL career. While never representing Team USA at the Olympic level, he did participate in several international tournaments during and after his time with the Penguins.
His playing style translated well to the international game, where his adaptability between forward and defense positions provided valuable flexibility for tournament rosters. Bourque’s international appearances included exhibition tours during NHL offseasons.
Following his playing career, Bourque stayed connected to hockey at the international level through broadcasting work. He has provided analysis for international tournaments featuring NHL talent and emerging prospects.
Today, Bourque remains most celebrated for his Pittsburgh connections rather than his international play. He leverages this experience as a Pittsburgh Penguins radio analyst, where he brings firsthand knowledge of both domestic and international hockey to his commentary.
Transition to Broadcasting
After hanging up his skates, Phil Bourque found a new way to stay connected to the Pittsburgh Penguins through broadcasting. His transition from player to commentator has allowed him to bring his on-ice perspective to fans for decades.
From Ice to the Booth
Phil Bourque made a seamless transition from the ice to the broadcast booth following his playing career. After winning two Stanley Cups with the Penguins in 1991 and 1992, the “Old 29er” found his second calling behind the microphone.
Bourque joined the legendary Mike Lange on the Penguins Radio Network, bringing his player’s perspective to the airwaves. His experience as a defenseman gave him unique insights into the game’s strategic elements.
“The transition to broadcasting felt natural,” Bourque once explained. “I wanted to stay connected to the game and the team I loved.”
His partnership with Lange became one of the most beloved broadcasting duos in Pittsburgh sports history. Their chemistry was immediate and lasting, with Bourque’s analytical approach complementing Lange’s distinctive play-by-play style.
Radio Play-by-Play Career
Bourque has now entered his third decade as the color commentator for the Pittsburgh Penguins broadcasts. His longevity speaks to both his talent and connection with listeners.
In 2023, he welcomed a new partner when Joe Brand joined the Penguins Radio Network. Brand was named the radio play-by-play voice of the team, handling duties for all Penguins games alongside Bourque.
The transition has been smooth, with Bourque praising Brand’s preparation and approach. “What stood out to me was how prepared he was,” Bourque noted about his new broadcast partner.
Previously, Bourque also contributed to television broadcasts during a period of transition from AT&T SportsNet to SportsNet Pittsburgh. His versatility across broadcast platforms demonstrates his communication skills and hockey knowledge.
Phil Bourque’s Legacy
Phil Bourque’s impact on the Pittsburgh Penguins organization extends far beyond his playing days. His transition from a two-time Stanley Cup champion to a beloved radio analyst has cemented his place in Pittsburgh sports history.
Impact on Pittsburgh Sports
The man affectionately known as the “Ol’ 29er” has become a Pittsburgh institution. After signing as an undrafted free agent with the Penguins in 1982, Bourque helped the team capture Stanley Cup championships in both 1991 and 1992. His scrappy play and team-first attitude endeared him to the Pittsburgh faithful.
What truly distinguishes Bourque is his ongoing connection to the city. Unlike many former players who leave town after retirement, he chose to make Pittsburgh his permanent home. This decision strengthened his bond with local fans.
His memoir, If These Walls Could Talk: Pittsburgh Penguins, provides fans with unique insider perspectives on the team’s history. The book showcases Bourque’s authentic storytelling ability and deep knowledge of the organization’s most memorable moments.
Contribution to Ice Hockey Commentary
Bourque’s second career as a Penguins radio analyst has been remarkably successful. His chemistry with play-by-play broadcasters creates an engaging listening experience for fans. His commentary blends technical hockey knowledge with personal anecdotes from his playing days.
His relationship with legendary announcer Mike Lange helped create one of hockey’s most distinctive broadcast pairings. Their natural rapport and shared enthusiasm for Penguins hockey entertained listeners for years.
What makes Bourque exceptional as a commentator is his ability to break down complex hockey situations in clear, accessible terms. His communication style bridges generations of fans, appealing to both longtime hockey enthusiasts and newcomers to the sport.
His broadcasting approach combines professional analysis with genuine passion. This authenticity resonates with Pittsburgh’s blue-collar ethos and helps maintain the connection between the team and its dedicated fanbase.
Life After the NHL
Phil Bourque’s post-NHL career has been as vibrant as his playing days, transitioning from on-ice excellence to broadcasting and community leadership. He has built a lasting legacy in Pittsburgh while sharing his hockey experiences with fans through various media.
Authoring a Book
Bourque recently shared his hockey journey through a published book. The book chronicles his experiences with the Pittsburgh Penguins, offering fans an insider’s perspective on his career and the championship teams he was part of during the early 1990s.
In a video on the NHL Network, Bourque appeared on “NHL Now” specifically to discuss this publication and his time with the Penguins. His storytelling captures both the glory and challenges of professional hockey.
The book delves into his path before, during, and after his playing career. It gives readers a comprehensive look at the life of a two-time Stanley Cup champion.
Community Engagement
Since hanging up his skates, Bourque has remained deeply connected to hockey through broadcasting and community work. He serves as a radio analyst for Penguins broadcasts, recently paired with new play-by-play announcer Joe Brand.
His social media presence, particularly his Twitter account @pbourque29, keeps fans updated on Penguins developments. This includes prospects like the 18-year-old defenseman selected in the second round of the NHL Draft.
The man known as “Ol’ Two-Niner” regularly participates in memory lane discussions about the team’s history. Beyond broadcasting, Bourque participates in community events, charity initiatives, and maintains strong connections with the Penguins organization.
Contemporary Roles and Honors
Phil Bourque has built a successful post-playing career with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. He has established himself as a beloved voice in hockey broadcasting while receiving recognition for his contributions to the team’s legacy both on and off the ice.
Current Broadcasting Work
Bourque currently serves as a color commentator on the Penguins Radio Network, where he brings his extensive hockey knowledge and insider perspective to broadcasts. His radio partnership recently saw a change with the addition of Joe Brand as the new radio play-by-play voice, creating a fresh dynamic in the booth.
Before this latest partnership, Bourque worked alongside other notable broadcasters including Paul Steigerwald and Josh Getzoff, helping maintain consistency in the team’s radio coverage. His broadcasting style blends technical analysis with personal anecdotes from his playing days.
In 2019, Bourque expanded his media footprint by releasing a book titled “If These Walls Could Talk: Pittsburgh Penguins”. This publication further cemented his role as a storyteller and keeper of Penguins history.
Recognition and Awards
Bourque’s legacy with the Penguins organization extends well beyond his playing days. The team regularly acknowledges his contributions during anniversary celebrations of their championship teams. Though he is not in the Hockey Hall of Fame, he remains a celebrated figure in Penguins history.
His involvement in community initiatives has earned him goodwill throughout the Pittsburgh region. The Penguins’ front office, including the President of Business Operations, has frequently utilized Bourque as an ambassador for team events and alumni functions.
Bourque’s credentials as a two-time Stanley Cup champion during his playing career (1991, 1992) give him significant credibility in his broadcasting role. His insights on championship-level hockey are particularly valued during playoff broadcasts when he can speak from direct experience.
