Francois Beauchemin
Francois Beauchemin was born in Sorel, Quebec, and played for Laval Titan College Francais of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League to start his career. He was drafted in 1998, 75th overall, by the Montreal Canadiens and played for Acadie-Bathurst Titan starting in the 1998-1999 season. Beauchemin moved to the Moncton Wildcats the season after and split the year between Moncton and Acadie-Bathurst. He spent 2000-2001 in the AHL with the Quebec Citadelles and the following year with the Hamilton Bulldogs. Beauchemin was called up for one game with the Montreal Canadiens in 2002-2003, but was quickly sent back to Hamilton for the following year. During the NHL lockout, he played for the AHL Syracuse Crunch and then was signed, in 2005-2006, by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Beauchemin played 11 games in Columbus before being snapped up by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. He has played for the Ducks ever since. Beauchemin’s best NHL seasons have certainly been in Anaheim, as he is a reliable backup defender to Scott Neidermayer and Chris Pronger. Beauchemin plays a strong defensive game, but is also capable of chipping in points. He finished 2005-2006 with 34 points in 61 games with the Ducks, a massive improvement in overall production. Beauchemin helped his team win the Stanley Cup in the 2007 playoffs and scored a tremendous 8 points in 20 playoff games. His defensive play and hitting ability gives his team a chance to win each and every game.
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