Canucks defenseman killed in crash

SHIPPAGAN, New Brunswick, May 29 (UPI) -- Vancouver defenseman Luc Bourdon was killed Thursday afternoon in a motorcycle crash in northern New Brunswick.

The crash occurred near Shippagan, New Brunswick, his hometown, but specific details were not released.

The 21-year-old Bourdon was Vancouver's first-round pick and the 10th overall selection in the 2005 NHL draft.

He was a member of the Canadian team that won the gold medal at the 2007 world junior hockey championship.

"We are deeply saddened by today's news and on behalf of the entire Vancouver Canucks organization, I would like to extend my sincere sympathies to Luc's family," Canucks general manager Mike Gillis said in a statement on the team's Web site. "Luc was an extremely talented player with a bright future. He brought great passion to the game and was a valued team member on and off the ice. He will be greatly missed."

In the 2007-08 season, Bourdon made his NHL debut on Nov. 3 in Denver against the Colorado Avalanche and finished with two goals in 27 games.