Pat LaFontaine, American ice hockey player

In the annals of American ice hockey, few names shine as brightly as Patrick Michael LaFontaine. Born on February 22, 1965, this remarkable center carved out an NHL career defined by dazzling skill, unwavering dedication, and an unfortunate early end due to injury. His entire professional journey was spent skating exclusively for teams rooted in the hockey-rich landscape of New York State, cementing his place as a legend in the sport.

A Dominant Force on the Ice: Patrick LaFontaine's Illustrious NHL Career

Patrick LaFontaine began his storied professional journey with the New York Islanders, where he played from 1983 until 1991. During his time with the Islanders, he quickly established himself as a prolific scorer, delighting fans with his offensive prowess and laying the groundwork for an impressive career. His exceptional talent led him to become a true fan favorite on Long Island.

His career continued to flourish with the Buffalo Sabres, where he suited up from 1991 to 1997. It was with the Sabres that LaFontaine truly cemented his status as one of the league's premier centers, consistently delivering highlight-reel moments and contributing significantly to the team's offense. His tenure in Buffalo is often remembered as the peak of his individual brilliance, showcasing his elite scoring touch and playmaking abilities night after night in the highly competitive NHL.

The twilight of his playing days saw him briefly join the New York Rangers in 1997. However, after scoring an impressive 468 goals and accumulating 1,013 points across 865 games during his illustrious ice hockey tenure, LaFontaine's incredible career was tragically cut short by the devastating impact of recurring concussions, leading to his retirement in 1998. This premature end left many wondering what more he could have achieved, but his existing body of work speaks volumes.

Record-Breaking Achievements and Lasting Legacy

Despite the early end to his career, Patrick LaFontaine's impact on the game remains undeniable. His exceptional offensive production yielded an incredible 1.17 points per game – a total of 1,013 points over 865 contests. This remarkable statistic stands as the best points-per-game ratio among all American-born ice hockey players, both active and retired, a testament to his consistent elite-level performance throughout his career. This achievement underscores his unique place in the history of the sport for players from the United States.

His unparalleled talent and significant contributions to the sport were further recognized in 2017 when the National Hockey League honored him by naming him one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players' in history. This prestigious acknowledgment places Patrick LaFontaine among the absolute legends of the game, highlighting his profound influence and lasting legacy within professional hockey.

Even after hanging up his skates, LaFontaine continued to contribute to the sport. He transitioned into an executive role, serving as the President of Hockey Operations for his former team, the Buffalo Sabres, until March 2014. This post-playing contribution further cemented his enduring connection to the game and the organization, demonstrating his continued dedication to the sport that defined so much of his life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Patrick LaFontaine

Who is Patrick LaFontaine?

Patrick Michael LaFontaine is an American former professional ice hockey center renowned for his prolific scoring in the National Hockey League (NHL) throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

When was Patrick LaFontaine born?

Patrick LaFontaine was born on February 22, 1965.

What NHL teams did Patrick LaFontaine play for?

LaFontaine played his entire NHL career with New York State-based teams: the New York Islanders (1983-1991), the Buffalo Sabres (1991-1997), and the New York Rangers (1997-1998).

How many goals and points did LaFontaine score in his NHL career?

He scored 468 goals and accumulated 1,013 points during his 865-game NHL career.

What is Patrick LaFontaine's significant NHL record?

LaFontaine holds the record for the best points-per-game average (1.17) among all American-born ice hockey players, active or retired.

Why did Patrick LaFontaine retire from hockey?

His illustrious career was unfortunately cut short due to concussions, leading to his retirement in 1998.

What honor did Patrick LaFontaine receive in 2017?

In 2017, Patrick LaFontaine was named one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players' in history.

Did Patrick LaFontaine hold any executive roles after retiring?

Yes, he served as the President of Hockey Operations for the Buffalo Sabres until March 2014.