Marcel Dionne is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player, widely regarded as one of the NHL’s greatest scorers. Born on August 3, 1951, in Drummondville, Quebec, Dionne played 18 seasons in the NHL from 1971 to 1989. He was drafted second overall by the Detroit Red Wings in 1971 and later played for the Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers. Dionne won the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s leading scorer in the 1979–80 season.
He recorded 50 goals or more in six seasons and achieved 100 points or more in eight seasons. Internationally, Dionne represented Canada in two Canada Cups and three World Championships. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992 and named one of the ‘100 Greatest NHL Players’ in 2017.
Get to know more about Marcel Dionne, the “little beaver”, his biography, career, awards, and net worth.
Table of Contents
Who is Marcel Dionne?
Marcel Dionne is a former professional ice hockey player from Canada. He was born on August 3, 1951, in Drummondville, Quebec. He played as a centre in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 18 seasons, from 1971 to 1989. Dionne started his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings, who selected him second overall in the 1971 NHL Entry Draft. During his time with the Red Wings, Dionne quickly became known for his scoring ability, setting an NHL rookie record with 77 points in his first season.
In 1975, Dionne was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, where he played the majority of his career. While with the Kings, he formed the “Triple Crown Line” with wingers Charlie Simmer and Dave Taylor. Dionne’s most productive season came in 1979–80 when he won the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s leading scorer, amassing 137 points. Despite his individual success, Dionne’s teams struggled in the playoffs, and he never advanced beyond the second round.
In 1987, Dionne was traded to the New York Rangers, where he played the final two and a half seasons of his career. He retired in 1989, having played a total of 1,348 NHL games and scoring 731 goals and 1,040 assists for 1,771 points. These statistics placed him among the top scorers in NHL history at the time of his retirement.
Internationally, Dionne represented Canada in several tournaments, including the 1976 and 1981 Canada Cups, and three World Championships, winning a gold medal in the 1976 Canada Cup and bronze medals in the 1978, 1983, and 1986 World Championships. His consistent scoring and skill earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992 and being named one of the ‘100 Greatest NHL Players’ in 2017.
What is Marcel Dionne’s age, height, and weight?
Marcel Dionne is 72 years old. He is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and weighs 185 pounds (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb).
What is Marcel Dionne’s Nationality and Ethnicity?
Marcel Dionne is Canadian by nationality and of French-Canadian ethnicity.
What is Marcel Dionne’s profession?
Marcel Dionne, a retired professional ice hockey player, has had a prolific career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He is known for his scoring ability and significant contributions to the teams he played for, including the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and New York Rangers.
Junior Career
Marcel Dionne began his junior hockey career with the Drummondville Rangers of the Quebec Junior Hockey League in 1968, where he showcased remarkable scoring skills, averaging over two goals per game. When the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League was established in 1969, Dionne moved to the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) to play for the St. Catharines Black Hawks. During his three seasons with the Black Hawks, Dionne became the league’s leading scorer, winning scoring titles in 1970 and 1971 and amassing a record 122 points in 43 playoff games. His junior career was highlighted by breaking the OHA’s career scoring record.
NHL Career
Detroit Red Wings
Dionne was drafted second overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1971 NHL Entry Draft. He played his first four seasons with the Red Wings, where he was one of the team’s few standout players, despite the team’s overall struggles. During his rookie season in 1972, Dionne set an NHL record for most points by a rookie, with 77 points.
Los Angeles Kings
In 1975, after expressing dissatisfaction with the Red Wings’ lack of success, Dionne was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in a historic deal. With the Kings, Dionne became the franchise’s marquee player, forming the famous “Triple Crown Line” with Charlie Simmer and Dave Taylor. Over his eleven and a half seasons with the Kings, Dionne consistently ranked among the league’s top scorers. Despite his regular-season success, the Kings often fell short in the playoffs. Dionne’s best season came in 1979-80 when he scored 137 points and won the Art Ross Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s leading scorer, due to having more goals than Wayne Gretzky.
New York Rangers
In 1987, Dionne was traded to the New York Rangers. He played his final two and a half seasons there, helping the team reach the playoffs twice before retiring in 1989. Although the Rangers did not achieve significant playoff success during his tenure, Dionne continued to be a productive player.
International Career
Marcel Dionne represented Canada in several international tournaments. He played in the 1976 and 1981 Canada Cups and won bronze medals at the World Ice Hockey Championships in 1978, 1983, and 1986. In the 1978 tournament, he was named the top forward.
Achievements and Retirement
Dionne retired as one of the highest-scoring players in NHL history. He ranks sixth in all-time goals (731), points (1771), and tenth in career assists (1040). He is the highest-scoring player never to have won a Stanley Cup. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Dionne was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992. The former Centre Civique arena in Drummondville was renamed Centre Marcel Dionne in his honor.
Post-Retirement Activities
After retiring from professional hockey, Dionne became involved in various business ventures, including owning the Blue Line Diner in Niagara Falls and operating a sports memorabilia store in Buffalo. He also engaged in real estate investments. Dionne continues to be active in the hockey community and resides in Niagara Falls, Ontario. He serves as a Royal Ambassador for the Los Angeles Kings organization and participates in alumni events for the Buffalo Sabres.
Career Statistics
Marcel Dionne’s career statistics shows his performance and consistency as a professional ice hockey player, both in regular season and playoffs across various leagues and international competitions.
Regular Season and Playoffs
Dionne’s career began in junior hockey and transitioned into a stellar NHL career, where he consistently proved himself as one of the top players of his era.
Junior Career:
- 1967-68: Dionne started with the Drummondville Rangers in the Quebec Junior Hockey League (QJHL). He played 48 games, scoring 34 goals and providing 35 assists, totaling 69 points. During the Memorial Cup playoffs, he added 21 points (14 goals, 7 assists) in 10 games.
- 1968-69: He moved to the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) to play for the St. Catharines Black Hawks, recording 100 points (37 goals, 63 assists) in 48 games. In the playoffs, he tallied 35 points (15 goals, 20 assists) in 18 games.
- 1969-70: He continued with the Black Hawks, scoring 132 points (55 goals, 77 assists) in 54 games. He added another 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) in 10 playoff games.
- 1970-71: Dionne finished his junior career with a remarkable 143 points (62 goals, 81 assists) in 46 games, and 55 points (29 goals, 26 assists) in 15 playoff games.
NHL Career:
- Detroit Red Wings (1971-75): Dionne was drafted second overall in 1971 and played his first four NHL seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. His rookie season saw him set an NHL record with 77 points (28 goals, 49 assists) in 78 games. Over four seasons, he had 366 points (139 goals, 227 assists) in 309 games, though the team did not make the playoffs during his tenure.
- Los Angeles Kings (1975-87): Traded to the Kings in 1975, Dionne became the franchise’s leading player. He had an immediate impact, with 94 points (40 goals, 54 assists) in his first season. Over 11 and a half seasons, Dionne amassed 1,307 points (550 goals, 757 assists) in 921 games. His best season was 1979-80, where he scored 137 points (53 goals, 84 assists). Despite his regular-season success, the Kings had limited playoff success, advancing past the first round only three times. In 49 playoff games for the Kings, Dionne recorded 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists).
- New York Rangers (1987-89): Dionne finished his NHL career with the Rangers, contributing 98 points (42 goals, 56 assists) in 118 games over two and a half seasons. In his final playoff appearances with the Rangers, he scored 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist) in 6 games.
NHL Totals:
- Over his NHL career, Dionne played 1,348 regular-season games, scoring 731 goals and 1,040 assists for a total of 1,771 points. He accumulated 600 penalty minutes.
- In the playoffs, he played 49 games, scoring 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 points, with 17 penalty minutes.
International Career: Dionne also represented Canada in various international competitions.
- 1976 Canada Cup: Played 1 game, scoring 5 goals and 1 assist for 6 points.
- 1978 World Championships: Played 10 games, scoring 9 goals and 3 assists for 12 points.
- 1979 World Championships: Played 7 games, scoring 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points.
- 1981 Canada Cup: Played 6 games, scoring 4 goals and 1 assist for 5 points.
- 1983 World Championships: Played 10 games, scoring 6 goals and 3 assists for 9 points.
- 1986 World Championships: Played 10 games, scoring 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points.
Senior Totals:
- In international play, Dionne played a total of 50 games, scoring 26 goals and 17 assists for 43 points, with 24 penalty minutes.
What is Marcel Dionne’s current world ranking?
In 2017, Marcel Dionne was named among the NHL’s Top 100 Players.
Who are Marcel Dionne’s Parents?
Marcel Dionne’s parents are Willie and Pauline Dionne.
Does Marcel Dionne have siblings?
Yes, Marcel Dionne has siblings. Notably, he has a younger brother named Gilbert Dionne, who also played in the NHL and won a Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1993.
Who is Marcel Dionne married to?
Marcel Dionne is married to Carol Dionne. They have been together for several years, and Carol has been a supportive presence throughout Marcel’s career and beyond.
Does Marcel Dionne have children?
Yes, Marcel Dionne has four children. They are named Marcel Jr., Lisa, Melisa, and Natalie.
What is Marcel Dionne’s Net Worth?
Marcel had an estimated net worth of $3,000,000.
How much does Marcel Dionne make annually?
Marcel Dionne’s salary history reveals a progression from his early days with the Detroit Red Wings to his tenure with the Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers.
Dionne began his NHL career in the 1971-72 season with the Detroit Red Wings, signing a rookie contract worth $50,000. Over the next few seasons, he signed increasingly lucrative contracts, including a notable three-year deal with the Red Wings that escalated to $100,000 annually by the 1974-75 season, which adjusted for inflation amounts to approximately $617,927 in today’s dollars.
In June 1975, Dionne made a significant move to the Los Angeles Kings, signing a groundbreaking five-year contract worth $1.5 million. This contract was a landmark deal in NHL history at the time, solidifying Dionne’s status as one of the highest-paid players. His annual earnings with the Kings ranged from $300,000 to $800,000 during his tenure.
By the early 1980s, Dionne’s earnings continued to rise, reaching $500,000 to $800,000 annually as he signed subsequent contracts with the Kings. His final seasons with the New York Rangers also saw him earn substantial salaries, with agreements ranging around $400,000 per season.
Over his career, Marcel Dionne’s earnings totaled approximately $7.576 million in nominal terms, which adjusts to about $26.466 million in today’s dollars.
| Season | Team | Salary (US$) | Salary Adjusted for Today’s Dollars (US$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971-72 | Detroit Red Wings | $50,000 | $376,266 |
| 1972-73 | Detroit Red Wings | $50,000 | $364,299 |
| 1973-74 | Detroit Red Wings | $75,000 | $514,696 |
| 1974-75 | Detroit Red Wings | $100,000 | $617,927 |
| 1975-76 | Los Angeles Kings | $300,000 | $1,698,439 |
| 1976-77 | Los Angeles Kings | $300,000 | $1,606,220 |
| 1977-78 | Los Angeles Kings | $300,000 | $1,508,167 |
| 1978-79 | Los Angeles Kings | $301,000 | $1,406,020 |
| 1979-80 | Los Angeles Kings | $300,000 | $1,259,438 |
| 1980-81 | Los Angeles Kings | $500,000 | $1,848,683 |
| 1981-82 | Los Angeles Kings | $500,000 | $1,675,649 |
| 1982-83 | Los Angeles Kings | $700,000 | $2,210,259 |
| 1983-84 | Los Angeles Kings | $600,000 | $1,835,542 |
| 1984-85 | Los Angeles Kings | $600,000 | $1,759,915 |
| 1985-86 | Los Angeles Kings | $700,000 | $1,982,802 |
| 1986-87 | Los Angeles Kings | $800,000 | $2,223,885 |
| 1986-87 | New York Rangers | $400,000 | $1,072,698 |
| 1987-88 | New York Rangers | $400,000 | $1,030,611 |
| 1988-89 | New York Rangers | $400,000 | $1,030,611 |
| 1989-90 | New York Rangers | $600,000 | $1,474,712 |
What philanthropic causes or charities does Marcel Dionne support?
Marcel Dionne has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors in his life. He has focused on causes close to his heart and community. One of such cause is supporting diabetes research, particularly through his involvement with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Dionne, along with his teammates Dave Taylor and Charlie Simmer, recorded a song titled “Please Forgive My Misconduct Last Night” as a fundraiser for JDRF in 1979.
Dionne has been active in supporting youth hockey programs and initiatives aimed at promoting the sport among young athletes.
What businesses does Marcel Dionne own?
Marcel Dionne has ventured into various business interests in and after his hockey career. Some of the businesses associated with Marcel Dionne include:
- Blue Line Diner: Located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Marcel Dionne owns and operates the Blue Line Diner.
- Sports Memorabilia Store: Dionne has been involved in operating a sports memorabilia store in Buffalo, New York.
- Real Estate Investments: Dionne has been active in the real estate market, buying and selling properties. This includes residential and possibly commercial real estate investments.
He also owns Marcel Dionne Enterprises.
What brands and endorsements does Marcel Dionne have?
During his playing days in the NHL, endorsements were less common and typically not as extensive as they are today. However, there are a few notable associations and endorsements related to Dionne:
- Bauer Hockey: As a prominent NHL player known for his scoring skills, Marcel Dionne used Bauer hockey equipment during his career. While specific endorsement deals may not have been publicly documented in detail from that era, it’s common for professional hockey players to use and be associated with leading brands like Bauer for equipment.
- Hockey Memorabilia and Collectibles: Post-retirement, Dionne has been involved in the sports memorabilia business, particularly through his sports memorabilia store in Buffalo.
How many houses and cars does Marcel Dionne have?
Marcel Dionne owns residences in both Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Clarence Center, New York.
How many awards has Marcel Dionne won?
In his early days in junior hockey with the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA), Dionne quickly established himself as a standout player and he captured the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy twice, awarded to the leading scorer in the OHA, for the 1969-70 and 1970-71 seasons. He also earned recognition on the OHA First All-Star Team in 1970-71 and the Second All-Star Team in 1969-70.
Moving into the NHL, Dionne continued to shine brightly, earning acclaim and honors in his career. He was a two-time recipient of the Lady Byng Trophy, which recognizes sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability, winning it in the 1974-75 and 1976-77 seasons. His skill and impact on the ice were further acknowledged with two Lester B. Pearson Awards (now known as the Ted Lindsay Award) in 1978-79 and 1979-80, recognizing him as the most outstanding player in the NHL as voted by his fellow players.
The pinnacle of Dionne’s individual achievements came in the 1979-80 season when he won the Art Ross Trophy for leading the NHL in scoring with 137 points (including 53 goals and 84 assists).
Dionne’s consistency and excellence were also reflected in his eight NHL All-Star selections, spanning from 1975 to 1985. He was named to the NHL First All-Star Team twice, in 1976-77 and 1979-80, and to the Second All-Star Team twice, in 1978-79 and 1980-81.
Internationally, Dionne represented Canada at the Ice Hockey World Championships and was named the best forward at the tournament in 1978. His contributions to the sport were further recognized with his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992.
| League/Event | Award/Honor | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| OHA (Ontario Hockey Association) | Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy (Top Scorer) | 1969-70, 1970-71 |
| OHA | First All-Star Team | 1970-71 |
| OHA | Second All-Star Team | 1969-70 |
| NHL | Lady Byng Trophy (Sportsmanship and Skill) | 1974-75, 1976-77 |
| NHL | Lester B. Pearson Award (Most Outstanding Player) | 1978-79, 1979-80 |
| NHL | Art Ross Trophy (Top Scorer) | 1979-80 |
| NHL | NHL All-Star | 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1985 |
| NHL | First All-Star Team | 1976-77, 1979-80 |
| NHL | Second All-Star Team | 1978-79, 1980-81 |
| Ice Hockey World Championships | Best Forward | 1978 |
| Hockey Hall of Fame | Inducted | 1992 |
Who is Marcel Dionne?
Marcel Dionne is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player known for his prolific scoring and sportsmanship during his career in the NHL.
What unique records did Marcel Dionne set?
Dionne set numerous records during his career, including winning the Art Ross Trophy for most points in a season (1979-80) and being a two-time winner of the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and skill.
Was Marcel Dionne a highly decorated player?
Yes, Marcel Dionne won several awards in his career, including the Lester B. Pearson Award (now the Ted Lindsay Award) twice and being named to the NHL All-Star Team eight times.
What is Marcel Dionne’s legacy in hockey?
Marcel Dionne is remembered as one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history, ranking sixth all-time in career goals scored with 731 goals.
Did Marcel Dionne have an impact beyond the NHL?
Indeed, Dionne was also recognized internationally, winning accolades such as being named the Best Forward at the Ice Hockey World Championships in 1978.
What about Marcel Dionne’s off-ice ventures?
Off the ice, Marcel Dionne has been involved in philanthropy and owns various businesses, including restaurants and real estate ventures.
What unique honors has Marcel Dionne received?
Marcel Dionne was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992.
Any lesser-known facts about Marcel Dionne?
Despite his impressive career, Marcel Dionne never won a Stanley Cup during his time in the NHL, a fact that adds an interesting layer to his storied career.