Bryan Fogarty Still Holds Record for Most Points by a Defenseman in Junior Hockey

Published on February 23rd, 2024 5:18 pm EST
Written By: Dave Manuel


If you are talking about the most dominant seasons by a player in junior hockey, Bryan Fogarty's name needs to be mentioned alongside the likes of Mario Lemieux.

Bryan Fogarty's season with the Niagara Falls Thunder in 1988-89 shattered records that may never be broken.

In fact, Fogarty STILL holds the record for most points in a single junior hockey season by a defenseman.

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Over the course of 60 regular season games in the 1988-89 regular season, Fogarty scored 47 goals and added 108 assists.

All told? Fogarty, as a defenseman, racked up a total of 155 points. Fogarty notched 8 assists in a single game that season - TWICE.

Fogarty was also no pushover as a defenseman, as he spent 88 minutes that season in the penalty box.

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The 210 pound defenseman was phenomenally gifted, though he battled a lifelong addiction to alcohol and drugs.

It was said that, even drunk, Fogarty was more talented than some of the very best hockey players in the world.

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Fogarty was taken ninth overall in the 1987 NHL Draft by the Quebec Nordiques. Fogarty was so talented that he was taken ahead of Joe Sakic, who was also taken by the Quebec Nordiques.

Despite knowing about his addiction issues, the Nordiques still took Fogarty, as they were blown away by his talent. Get him the help he needs, the team thought, and they might have a future Hall of Famer on their hands.

Unfortunately for Fogarty and the Nordiques, it didn't work out, and Fogarty would depart team after three seasons, where he would bounce around in the NHL, minors and various international leagues.

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Fogarty would tragically pass away at an early age due to an enlarged heart.

Fogarty was truly one of the all-time great defensemen in junior hockey.