Lou Fontinato, Canadian ice hockey player (d. 2016)

Louis Joseph Fontinato, famously known by his moniker "Leapin' Louie," was a formidable Canadian defenceman whose impactful career in the National Hockey League (NHL) spanned from 1954 to 1963. Born on January 20, 1932, in Guelph, Ontario, Fontinato became a prominent figure known for his exceptionally rugged and physical style of play, a hallmark of the Original Six era of professional hockey. He passed away on July 3, 2016, leaving behind a legacy as one of the league's most uncompromising enforcers.

Fontinato earned his distinctive nickname, "Leapin' Louie," due to his aggressive and often airborne approach to the game. He was renowned for his willingness to jump into a scrum, literally or figuratively, to protect his teammates or assert his presence on the ice. This fearless attitude and his reputation as a tough, no-nonsense "policeman" made him both a fan favorite and a dreaded opponent.

Career Highlights and Defining Moments

Louis Fontinato's NHL journey began with the New York Rangers, where he played for seven seasons from 1954 to 1961. During his tenure with the Rangers, he solidified his reputation as one of the toughest players in the league, consistently leading his team in penalty minutes and engaging in numerous on-ice altercations. His physical prowess was a crucial component of the Rangers' defensive corps, embodying the hard-nosed hockey prevalent in the mid-20th century.

A defining, albeit controversial, moment in Fontinato's career occurred on February 1, 1959, at Madison Square Garden during a game against the Detroit Red Wings. This was the infamous fight with Gordie Howe, the legendary "Mr. Hockey." The altercation began after Fontinato cross-checked Howe, leading to a brutal, prolonged fistfight that left Fontinato with a severely broken nose and facial injuries requiring extensive surgery. This highly publicized incident not only became a cautionary tale about the dangers of on-ice fighting but also cemented both Fontinato's reputation for fearlessness and Howe's formidable toughness, further enhancing their respective legends in hockey lore.

Following his impactful years with the Rangers, Fontinato was traded to the Montreal Canadiens, a dominant force in the NHL at the time. He played for the Canadiens for two seasons, from 1961 to 1963, contributing to their defensive efforts before ultimately retiring from professional hockey. His move to Montreal, one of the league's most storied franchises, was a testament to his continued value as a reliable and imposing defenceman, even after the well-documented injuries he sustained.

Legacy and Post-NHL Life

Louis Fontinato's career statistics reflect his role as an enforcer; he accumulated significant penalty minutes over his 536 NHL games, scoring 27 goals and 60 assists for a total of 87 points. While not known for his offensive contributions, his true value lay in his physical deterrence and defensive reliability. After retiring from the NHL, Fontinato returned to his roots in Ontario, where he successfully transitioned to a career in farming, a stark contrast to the high-octane world of professional hockey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Louis "Leapin' Louie" Fontinato

What was Louis Fontinato best known for?
Louis Fontinato was best known for his extremely physical and aggressive defensive play, his role as an enforcer, and most notably, his infamous on-ice fight with legendary Detroit Red Wings forward Gordie Howe in 1959.
Why was Louis Fontinato called "Leapin' Louie"?
He earned the nickname "Leapin' Louie" due to his tendency to aggressively jump into plays, fights, or scrums on the ice, often leaving his feet in his energetic pursuit of the puck or an opponent.
Which NHL teams did Louis Fontinato play for?
Louis Fontinato played for the New York Rangers from 1954 to 1961 and subsequently for the Montreal Canadiens from 1961 to 1963.
When did the famous fight between Louis Fontinato and Gordie Howe occur?
The well-documented fight between Louis Fontinato and Gordie Howe took place on February 1, 1959, at Madison Square Garden.
When did Louis Fontinato pass away?
Louis Fontinato passed away on July 3, 2016, at the age of 84.