Welcome to drive4five.blog, your source for all things Islanders! We are proud to announce that we have had the opportunity to interview Benoit Hogue! Hogue played in the NHL for 16 seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, Phoenix (now Arizona) Coyotes, Boston Bruins, and Washington Capitals.
Hogue, Pierre Turgeon, Uwe Krupp, and Dave McLlwain were traded to the Islanders in 1991 for Pat LaFontaine, Randy Wood, and Randy Hillier. In New York, Benoit put up his best numbers, scoring 105 goals in three full seasons. After his tenure on the Island, Hogue became a journeyman for the rest of his career. In his one season with the Dallas Stars, Hogue won his first and only Stanley Cup. The unforgettable series is remembered by the highly controversial Stanley Cup-winning goal in which Brett Hull’s skate was in the crease. Benoit Hogue is a terrific player and person, and has many stories for our readers to hear.
What was your favorite Islanders moment?
“I think my favorite Islanders moment was probably the 1993 season, defeating Pittsburgh in seven games. Pittsburgh had just won three Stanley Cups in a row. I think the year of the 1993 season and that series was one of the best moments as an Islander.”
What was your funniest Islanders moment?
“Funniest? It would be a lot. I think the funniest was after beating Pittsburgh in the second round of 93’. We were in the locker room celebrating as if we just won the Stanley Cup, guys were pumped, guys were drinking champagne. I think it was a blast because everyone was happy coming back and then winning Game 7 in Pittsburgh. I think it was one of the funniest moments just to see the enjoyment of the players in the locker room after a big series win.”
Who was your favorite teammate?
“I had a lot of teammates. On the Islanders, my favorite group that we had was mostly when we were a young team. All in our late 20’s, early 30’s. I wouldn’t say there was one guy I particularly liked; the team we had was tight. We were all good to each other, it was a big family. The players played for one another. I had obviously a roommate, Steve Thomas. We spent a little more time together on the road. As far as favorite teammate, I can say they were all my favorite teammates.”
What was it like having to switch teams?
“The first time I switched teams was from Buffalo. I was drafted by Buffalo, and the day of the trade where I had to be moved was a little upsetting that you have to leave a town. Up to that point, I had never been traded before. My junior years were all with the same team, the Saint-Jean Castors of the QMJHL, and it was very awkward to leave a team for the first time and go to a different dressing room in a different city. After that, when I was traded from the Islanders to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the situation was a lot easier.”

What was it like to win a Stanley Cup?
“It’s hard to describe the excitement of winning a Cup. We all know how intense the playoffs are and you compete every two days. You are playing with 20 guys, sharing blood, sweat, and tears. Winning the Stanley Cup makes you feel as if you are done competing on this level. You’re finally a champion. There is some relief knowing the pressure and physical demand is off. The biggest relief is knowing you have finally won a Stanley Cup. It’s an unbelieveable experience.”
Thanks for reading! This article was written by Kyle, who will guest write articles for us.