Mathieu Darche

Mathieu Darche played for McGill University from 1996 to the year 2000. In his last year playing for Mcgill, Darche scored 62 points in 26 games, that's 2.38 points per game! Darche spent the next couple of seasons playing for several NHL teams but spent most of his time playing for their affiliates in the AHL.

During the 2004-2005 lockout Darche spent a full season playing for the Hershey Bears in the AHL. The next season he went overseas to play in the German Elite League. Darche would then return to North America in 2007 to continue to play for NHL affiliate teams in the AHL and a sparing number of games in the NHL. During the 2007-2008 season Mathieu Darche finally got a full time roster spot with the Tampa Bay Lightntning and played in 73 games, scoring 22 points. In 2009-2010 Darche split his season between the Montreal Canadiens and Montreal's affiliate AHL team the Hamilton Bulldogs. During the 2010 off-season Darche was signed to his first one way NHL contract with the Canadiens.

Mathieu Darche plays a smart grinding game. He isn't the fastest skater but is quite effective once he has the puck. He is able to cycle the puck efficiently eventually wearing down opposing defenders. Mathieu Darche's style of play is comparable to teammate Travis Moen's but less physical.

Some of Darche's strengths include his effective puck possession skills along the boards which is ideal for the cycle game and his hockey smarts with the puck. Mathieu Darche is an opportunistic player who makes the most of the few chances he gets. He also a veteran presence who is helpful in the locker room.

Some of Darche's weaknesses include his defensive work, his physicality and his intimidation factor. Mathieu Darche is often stuck on the ice pinned in his on zone and some more desperation to clear the puck on his part would go a long way. Darche does throw his body around but maybe not as often as he should given his role as a bottom six forward. He also misses an intimidation factor when confronted by his opponents often shrugging them off and taking the high road.

Mathieu Darche is the younger brother of professional football player J.P. Darche.