Stephane Yelle

Stephane Yelle (born Stephane A. Yelle on May 9, 1974) is a former Canadian professional ice hockey centre. He won two Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Stephane also played in the NHL with the Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins and the Carolina Hurricanes.

Playing Career
Stephane played with the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League when he was drafted in the 8th round (186th overall) in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils.

On June 1, 1994, he was traded to the Quebec Nordiques and made his professional debut in the 1994–95 season with AHL affiliate, the Cornwall Aces.

The following season, Stephane's rights were transferred as the Nordiques relocated to Denver to become the Colorado Avalanche.

In 1995–96 (in his and the Avalanche's first season in the NHL), Stephane became a regular as he played in 71 games en route to the Stanley Cup Championship

Known as an excellent faceoff taker and a gritty, hard-working player, he played seven seasons for the Avalanche from 1995 to 2002, capturing another Stanley Cup in the 2000–01 season.

On October 1, 2002 (prior to the 2002–03 season), Stephane was traded by the Avalanche, along with Chris Drury, to the Calgary Flames for Derek Morris, Dean McAmmond and Jeff Shantz.

His transition was seamless as he established himself on the Flames checking line, helping Calgary to a 2004 Stanley Cup final appearance after a seven year playoff hiatus.

Throughout Stephane's five seasons with the Flames, his versatility and defensive prowess was often highlighted as he would often fill-in as a defenseman when others were out injured.

On September 3, 2008, Stephane was signed to a one-year deal with the Boston Bruins.

In 2008–09, he played in 77 games scoring 18 points with the Eastern Conference leading Bruins.

On August 19, 2009, Stephane signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes.

After a slow start to the 2009–10 season, the struggling Hurricanes placed Stephane on waivers on October 26, 2009. He went unclaimed and progressively found his feet, staying on the roster.

On March 3, 2010, Stephane was traded by the Hurricanes along with Harrison Reed to return to the Colorado Avalanche for Cedric Lalonde-McNicoll and a sixth-round draft pick.

He has since retired and taken a development coordinator position with the Colorado Avalanche.