Tony Demers

Tony Demers, born on July 22, 1917, in Chambly-Basin, Quebec, was a notable Canadian professional ice hockey forward. His career in the National Hockey League spanned from 1938 to 1944, during which he played a total of eighty-three games for the prestigious Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers. Demers began his journey with the Canadiens in the 1937-38 season, but it wasn't until the 1940-41 season that he had the opportunity to play a full season with the team.

Throughout his career, Demers faced challenges, playing only sixteen games in the two seasons that followed his full season with Montreal. However, he made a significant mark in his final season with the Canadiens by assisting on the very first career goal of the legendary Maurice Richard, a moment that would be remembered in hockey history.

In a tragic turn of events, Demers' life took a dark path in November 1949 when he was convicted of manslaughter for the beating death of a woman in Coaticook, Quebec. He was sentenced to fifteen years in prison, a period during which he reflected on his life choices. After serving his sentence, he managed to rebuild his life.

Tony Demers passed away in 1997 at the age of eighty, leaving behind a complex legacy that intertwined his achievements in hockey with the profound challenges he faced off the ice.