Éric Castonguay

Éric Castonguay
Born	(1987-09-18) September 18, 1987 Granby, Quebec, Canada
Occupation(s)	Ice hockey player (former), coach
Years active	2007–2024 (player)
Known for	Professional ice hockey career and coaching in Swiss League

Éric Castonguay (born September 18, 1987) is a former professional ice hockey player from Canada who has transitioned into coaching. He currently serves as an assistant coach for HC Sierre competing in the Swiss League (SL).

Playing career

Castonguay's early development took place in the Quebec M18 AAA circuit with Collège Antoine-Girouard, after which he spent three seasons playing Major Junior hockey for the Lewiston Maineiacs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

He embarked on his professional journey during the 2007-08 season, appearing with the Trenton Devils and Reading Royals in the ECHL. On June 2, 2011, he was retained on the Royals' protected list. His career also included stints in the American Hockey League representing the Lowell Devils and Bridgeport Sound Tigers, as well as competing in France’s Ligue Magnus with both Dragons de Rouen and Diables Rouges de Briançon.

For the 2013–14 season, Castonguay signed with the Missouri Mavericks of the Central Hockey League on September 21, 2013. That year, he established a franchise record by netting 31 goals in a single season, a mark later eclipsed by Andrew Courtney’s 34 goals. Additionally, he achieved second place in the CHL’s "Most Gentlemanly Player" voting. On April 18, 2014, he was loaned to the AHL’s Chicago Wolves.

On May 17, 2014, Castonguay committed to Norway’s GET-ligaen club Frisk Asker Ishockey. In 2017, he transitioned to Sweden’s HockeyAllsvenskan league with AIK IF, where after finishing third among league scorers, he earned a contract extension.

Coaching career

Following his retirement after the 2023–24 campaign, Castonguay accepted an assistant coaching position with HC Sierre for the 2024–25 season. His responsibilities include working with the club’s junior squads. He collaborates closely with head coach Mario Pouliot, his father-in-law, who previously coached him both during his youth at Collège Antoine-Girouard Gaulois and last season.