Shippagan, NEW BRUNSWICK -- Luc Bourdon, a defenseman with the Vancouver Canucks, was killed in a motorcycle crash in northern New Brunswick.

The accident occurred Thursday afternoon near his hometown of Shippagan, New Brunswick.

"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," said Canucks general manager Mike Gillis. "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."

Bourdon, 21, was the first-round pick of the Canucks, 10th overall, in the 2005 NHL draft. He made his NHL debut on Nov. 3 in Colorado and played in 27 games last season, scoring two goals with a plus-seven rating.

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