50 Facts About Paul Bissonnette

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Paul Bissonnette, known for his grit and charisma, has a fascinating journey in hockey. Let's dive into the early years and career milestones that shaped him.

1. Birth and Hometown: Paul Bissonnette was born on March 11, 1985, in Welland, Ontario, Canada.
2. Draft: He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2003 as the 121st overall pick in the fourth round.
3. Nicknames: Bissonnette is nicknamed "Biz Nasty" due to his tough and physical playing style.
4. Position: He played as a left winger throughout his career.
5. Shoots: Bissonnette shoots left-handed.
6. National Team: He represented Canada in various international competitions, including the IIHF U18 World Juniors and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
7. Professional Debut: Bissonnette began his professional career with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL in the 2005-06 season.
8. Early Career: Before turning pro, he played in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the North Bay Centennials and Saginaw Spirit.
9. OHL Stats: In his rookie season with North Bay Centennials, Bissonnette played 57 games, scoring three goals and three assists.
10. Team Relocation: The North Bay Centennials relocated and became the Saginaw Spirit after the 2001-02 season.
11. Leadership Role: Bissonnette was named co-captain of the Saginaw Spirit during his time with the team.
12. International Success: He was part of Canada's under-18 team that won gold medals at the Nations Cup.
13. Notable Game Performance: During the 2003 Home Hardware Top Prospects Game, Bissonnette was named Team Orr player of the game after recording a goal and fighting Dion Phaneuf.

Professional Career Highlights

Bissonnette's professional career is marked by significant achievements and memorable moments. Here are some key highlights from his time on the ice.

14. Professional Fighting Major: On November 12, 2005, Bissonnette received his first professional fighting major when he fought Jordan Smith of the Portland Pirates.
15. AHL Debut: He made his AHL debut with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the 2005-06 season.
16. First Professional Goal: Bissonnette scored his first professional goal in the AHL on February 25, 2006, against goaltender Maxime Ouellet of the Manitoba Moose.
17. ECHL All-Star Game: Bissonnette was selected to play in the ECHL All-Star Game in 2007.
18. Calder Cup Champion: He won the Calder Cup with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in 2015.
19. NHL Career: Bissonnette played in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Phoenix Coyotes.
20. NHL Debut: He made his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2008-09 season.
21. NHL Stats: Throughout his NHL career, Bissonnette played 202 games, scoring 7 goals and making 15 assists.
22. NHL Teams: He played for the Pittsburgh Penguins (2008-2009) and Phoenix Coyotes (2009-2014).
23. Phoenix Coyotes Performance: During his time with the Phoenix Coyotes, Bissonnette played 187 games, scoring 2 goals and providing 6 assists.
24. Cardiff Devils: In the 2012-2013 season, Bissonnette played for the Cardiff Devils in the EIHL, where he scored 6 goals and 13 assists.
25. Post-NHL Career: After retiring from the NHL, Bissonnette continued to play professionally in various leagues, including the AHL and EIHL.

Transition to Media and Community Involvement

After hanging up his skates, Bissonnette found new ways to stay connected to hockey and give back to the community.

26. Current Role: He is currently a studio analyst for NHL on TNT and a host on the Barstool Sports hockey podcast Spittin’ Chiclets.
27. Spittin’ Chiclets Podcast: Bissonnette is known for his involvement in the popular hockey podcast Spittin’ Chiclets, where he discusses various hockey topics and shares personal anecdotes.
28. Arizona Coyotes Radio: He also serves as the color analyst for the Arizona Coyotes radio broadcasts.
29. Community Involvement: Bissonnette is involved in various community activities, including charity work and youth hockey programs.
30. Hockey Reference Stats: According to Hockey Reference, Bissonnette's career stats include 202 games, 7 goals, 15 assists, and 22 points in the NHL.
31. Game Logs: His game logs detail his performances in various matches, highlighting his impact on the games he played.
32. Career Summary: Throughout his career, Bissonnette has demonstrated versatility and skills as a professional hockey player.
33. Awards and Honors: Bissonnette has received several awards and honors, including being named an ECHL All-Star and winning the Calder Cup with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
34. International Competitions: He has participated in several international competitions, showcasing his skills on the global stage.
35. Physical Play: Known for his tough and physical playing style, Bissonnette has earned the nickname "Biz Nasty."
36. Leadership Role in Podcast: As a host on Spittin’ Chiclets, Bissonnette brings his leadership skills and hockey expertise to the podcast.
37. Media Presence: His media presence extends beyond the podcast, as he provides analysis for NHL on TNT and Arizona Coyotes radio.
38. Charitable Work: Bissonnette is involved in various charitable activities, including supporting youth hockey programs and participating in fundraising events.
39. Community Engagement: His community engagement extends beyond hockey, as he is active in local charity work and community events.

Personal Life and Legacy

Bissonnette's influence goes beyond the rink and the studio. His personal life and legacy continue to inspire many.

40. Personal Life: Bissonnette keeps a relatively low profile regarding his personal life, focusing more on his professional career and community involvement.
41. Hockey Career Milestones: He achieved several milestones in his hockey career, including playing in the NHL and winning the Calder Cup.
42. Impact on Hockey Culture: Bissonnette has had a significant impact on hockey culture, both through his playing career and his post-playing career as a media personality.
43. Fan Favorite: He remains a fan favorite due to his tough playing style and charismatic personality.
44. Legacy in Hockey: Bissonnette's legacy in hockey extends beyond his playing career, as he continues to contribute to the sport through media and community involvement.
45. Role Models: He has been a role model for many young hockey players, demonstrating the importance of hard work, dedication, and community involvement.
46. Career Transition: After retiring from professional hockey, Bissonnette transitioned smoothly into a media career, leveraging his expertise and charisma to become a successful analyst and podcaster.
47. Media Career Highlights: His media career highlights include working with NHL on TNT and hosting Spittin’ Chiclets, which has become one of the most popular hockey podcasts.
48. Podcast Success: The success of Spittin’ Chiclets can be attributed to Bissonnette’s engaging personality and deep knowledge of hockey, making it a must-listen for hockey fans.
49. Future Plans: While his immediate future plans are focused on his media career, Bissonnette has expressed interest in continuing to be involved in the hockey community through various initiatives.
50. Legacy and Impact: Paul Bissonnette’s legacy in hockey is multifaceted, encompassing both his playing career and his post-playing career as a media personality and community leader.

Paul Bissonnette's Lasting Impact

Paul Bissonnette, or "Biz Nasty," has left a significant mark on hockey. From his early days in Welland, Ontario, to his time in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Phoenix Coyotes, Bissonnette's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Known for his tough playing style, he earned respect on the ice and became a fan favorite. Post-retirement, he transitioned smoothly into media, co-hosting the popular Spittin’ Chiclets podcast and serving as an analyst for NHL on TNT. His involvement in community activities and charity work further showcases his dedication to giving back. Bissonnette's legacy extends beyond his playing career, impacting hockey culture and inspiring future generations. Whether on the ice or behind the microphone, Paul Bissonnette continues to be a prominent figure in the hockey world.