Pierre Renald Plante Obituary, VALLEYFIELD, Quebec — Pierre Renald Plante, a former NHL right winger known for his speed, durability, scoring ability, and energetic style of play, has died on September 27 at the age of 75. Born on May 14, 1951, in Valleyfield, Quebec, Plante built a hockey career that included nearly 600 NHL games during the 1970s.
Plante developed his offensive skills during his junior career with the Drummondville Rangers, where he emerged as one of the QMJHL’s top scorers. During the 1969–70 season, he recorded 51 goals and 51 assists for 102 points, a performance that helped establish him as a highly regarded prospect.
In the 1971 NHL Draft, Plante was selected ninth overall by the Philadelphia Flyers. He made his NHL debut that same year, splitting time between the Flyers and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Richmond Robins.
Plante’s career became closely associated with the St. Louis Blues after he was traded to the team during the 1972 season. With St. Louis, he became recognized as a dependable and creative winger who brought consistency and offensive production to the lineup. His strongest NHL seasons came with the Blues, including a career-high 66-point campaign in the 1974–75 season, when he recorded 34 goals and 32 assists.
After his time in St. Louis, Plante continued his NHL career with the Chicago Black Hawks, contributing 10 goals and 18 assists during the 1977–78 season. He later joined the New York Rangers for the 1978–79 season, helping the team reach the Stanley Cup Final while appearing in 18 playoff games and recording six assists.
Plante concluded his NHL career with the Quebec Nordiques during the 1979–80 season. Over 599 regular-season NHL games, he finished with 125 goals, 172 assists, 297 points, and 599 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 33 playoff games, adding eight points during his postseason career.
Throughout his years in hockey, Pierre Renald Plante was remembered as a player who combined skill, toughness, and determination during a changing era of the NHL. His contributions to multiple franchises and his impact as a reliable and entertaining winger remain part of his hockey legacy. Condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who remembered his career, as his memory continues to be honored.
