Biography

Francis Wathier, born December 7, 1984, in St-Isidore, Ontario, Canada. Currently, he is signed with the Dallas Stars, NHL franchise.

He was drafted in 2003 by the Dallas Stars as a forward while still playing Junior Hockey for the Hull Olympiques in Gatineau Canada. He had made the junior team as a walk on by being scout in the Junior C league from his St-Isidore hometown.  Wathier’s dream has always been to make a living as a professional hockey player. Despite all the people surrounding him saying that he was from a small town and would never be seen, his strength, perseverance, defensive play and work ethic had made others change their mind.  Dallas saw Wathier as a young leader who could make the big goal, use his size as a physical presence and be a player who would give his team 110%.  Wathier captured two straight President's Cups (QMJHL champs) as a member of the Hull/Gatineau Olympiques in 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons. While injured most of his first professional year, he and his wife gave a lot of time to the Des Moines community by visiting students and hospitals.  The Iowa Stars recognized him for his effort by naming him Man of the Year in 2005-06.  Following the 2006-07 season, Wathier was named “Fan Favorite” by the Iowa Stars. After making a run in the playoffs, with the Stars, he was called to the Idaho Steelheads to help them capture the Kelly Cup, which they did! This past season, 2007-08, he got injured at the NHL Dallas Stars Training Camp and had reconstructive shoulder surgery and missed 61 games.  While in therapy and training, Wathier again spent a large amount of time giving back to the Des Moines community.  At the end of the season, Wathier was again named “Man of the Year” by the Iowa Stars organization. Despite his 61 games missed, his return was marked by him being named Assistant Captain of the Iowa Stars. Wathier managed to be back in strength and was recalled to the NHL on April 14th by the Dallas Stars.