Rene Bourque

Rene Gary Wayne Bourque (born December 10, 1981) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who was a right winger in the National Hockey League (NHL). An undrafted player, Bourque was signed by the Chicago Blackhawks as a free agent in 2004 and made his NHL debut in 2005–06. He spent three years in Chicago before a 2008 trade sent him to the Calgary Flames where he established himself as a key offensive player. He was traded to the Montreal Canadiens before stints with the Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche.

Bourque is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, where he played four seasons of hockey and served as a co-captain in his senior year. He turned professional in 2004 when he joined the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL). He won the Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award as the league's rookie of the year in 2004–05 before beginning his NHL career. Bourque has played for the Canadian national team at the 2010 IIHF World Championship and the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Of Métis heritage, Bourque has initiated several charitable causes dedicated to encouraging Indigenous children and helping youth from rural Northern Alberta afford the cost of playing hockey. His efforts have led to a major increase in sport participation among Indigenous children.