Sunday

Joel Baillargeon

Quebec City's Joel Baillargeon is the son of legendary Canadian wrestler and strongman Paul Baillargeon, one of six Baillargeon brothers known for their strength. Paul's specialty act was lifting horses. Once source I found suggest he once climbed a telephone pole with a horse on his back!

I do not know that Papa Baillargeon ever help son Joel in his training for his own pro-sports career, but he could be proud of his son for making it to the National Hockey League for 20 games, the last five of which were with his hometown Nordiques.

The left winger was noted as a zealous bodycheck but not a goon. He was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets 113th overall in 1983, and would play 15 games with the team split between the 1986-87 season and the 1987-88 season. He picked up two assists.

He was later shipped to Quebec where he mostly played with their farm team in Halifax. As mentioned Joel did crack the Nordiques line up for five games during the 1988-89 season. The Nords were a very weak team at this point in their existence. I don't think the strength of the entire Baillergeon family could have lifted the Nordiques out of the NHL basement.

In addition to being a strongman and wrestler, Paul Baillargeon was a very successful hotelier in Quebe City, and president of the Quebec City Hotel and Restaurant Association. It is unclear if the family is still in the business today.

2 comments:

Baillargeon ... May 4, 2010 at 11:17 PM  

Just to make it clear to everyone .. My dad's father was not PAul but JEAN BAillargeon !!!!! .. I don't know where you pickep up your information but it's wrong ! thanks to make the adjustment as soon as you can !!
Ftom the Joel's son !!

Cara Fischer June 20, 2011 at 7:12 AM  

Joel's son-

I believe you and I are distantly related. My grandmother was Cecile Zugel. Baillargeon is either her maiden name or her mothers maiden. Let me know if you want more information or if you have any info for me. My Uncle Ray Zugel has done quite a bit of family history research for our family.

Thanks,

Cara Fischer

cara.reda@gmail.com

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