Vegas Golden Knights fans don't think about Pierre-Edouard Bellemare as much as they think of the Roman Empire. They don't remember the 12 goals and 19 assists that he contributed while with the team. Like, why would all that matter to them, you know?
Well, they should, since he just got the highest honor for one of the most developed nations worldwide. That's right, Golden Knights fans. Bellemare is captaining Team France for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics.
Beloved Golden Misfit Pierre-Édouard Bellemare will captain Team France in Milan -- at age 40! https://t.co/S5Q2e4EzM5
— Victory Flamingo🦩 (@VGKFlamingo) December 31, 2025
What makes this even more impressive is that the Original Misfit is doing this at the ripe ol' age of 40. Yeah, it might be France and they stink on ice—literally. However, it's still an incredible honor to lead an Olympic team through the trenches in Milan. Like, imagine how surprising that is for Bellemare himself.
"At the time, I'm 35, maybe, already past my expiration date technically as a hockey player. Everybody acted like this was my last one (qualification). I was the one acting like it was my last one, too. I don't think that I was going to play at all. I didn't think I was going to be able to affect the team."Pierre-Edouard Bellemare to NHL.com
Think about it. How often do you see someone in their 40s lead any sports team onto the field or rink for anything? Mind you, Bellemare hasn't had an illustrious career like Aaron Rodgers or even Joe Flacco. The former Golden Knights forward has 64 goals and 74 assists in 10 seasons and hasn't played since 2023-24 with the Seattle Kraken. Still, you can't deny that this is a cool honor.
Vegas Golden Knights fans can take solace in seeing Original Misfit Pierre-Edouard Bellemare play in the Olympics with William Karlsson unlikely to play
The latest news surrounding William Karlsson and his Olympic chances is an absolute damper for the Golden Knights and Team Sweden. People in Stockholm and Las Vegas won't get to see their favorite Swedish Misfit partake in global competition, leaving their Swedish meatballs all flat.
While the Swedes will still be sad, even with Bellemare hanging around, why not give Golden Knights fans something to smile about? After all, he was a part of the miracle team that went to the 2018 Stanley Cup Final. The forward made his work on the lower lines throughout his NHL career, establishing himself as a gritty player.
I mean, even the nomination shocked the former Golden Knight! How can you not be happy for the guy after he wasn't expecting to be the team captain?
"I don't think I expected me to be able to end up in the Olympics, to be honest. As I'm saying that, I realize actually how really shocked I am."Pierre-Edouard Bellemare to NHL.com
That sounds like a redemption story in the making. Yeah, Team France has virtually no shot of winning Olympic gold at this year's competition. But you must admire the hard work and dedication he put into making those dreams happen.
At the 2026 Olympics, I want you to think about Bellemare when he hits the ice. Think about how much it took to get to this point. It wasn't easy to make the team at 40. If you see him, give him the tip of the ol' cap.