1
He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003.
15 Interesting Facts About Pat LaFontaine
A Hockey Hall of Famer and one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players,' he was a prolific American center whose career was highlighted by exceptional scoring and dedication before being cut short by concussions.
Position
Center
Jersey
#16
Status
Retired
Teams
3
Facts
15
2
His jersey number 16 was retired by the Buffalo Sabres.
3
He played his entire NHL career for New York State-based teams.
4
He holds the record for most points (148) by an American-born player in a single NHL season.
5
His professional playing career was cut short due to multiple concussions.
6
He scored 468 goals and 1,013 points in his NHL career.
7
He scored the winning goal in the legendary 'Easter Epic' playoff game against the Washington Capitals.
8
He won the Jean Béliveau Trophy as the top scorer in the QMJHL, out-dueling future NHL icon Mario Lemieux.
9
He represented the United States in two Winter Olympics (1984, 1998) and two Canada Cups (1987, 1991).
10
His 1.17 points per game average is the best among American-born ice hockey players, active or retired.
11
He won a gold medal with the United States national team at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.
12
He founded the Companions in Courage Foundation, an organization that builds interactive game rooms in children's hospitals.
13
In his only QMJHL season, he broke Guy Lafleur's 40-game point-scoring streak and Mike Bossy's 70 goals by a rookie.
14
The ambulance carrying him after a severe concussion was delayed by New York Rangers fans outside Madison Square Garden.
15
He is unique among players who skated for all three New York State NHL teams, as he played his entire career within the state.
About Pat LaFontaine
He was a prolific American center who played his entire NHL career for New York State teams. His career was marked by exceptional scoring ability, including a 148-point season, but was ultimately cut short by concussions. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003 and is recognized for his sportsmanship and dedication.
Career Achievements & Milestones
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Hockey Hall of Fame Induction
2003
✓
Named one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players'
2017
✓
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
1995
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Jean Béliveau Trophy (QMJHL Top Scorer)
1983
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World Cup of Hockey Gold Medal
1996
Player Information & Stats
Detailed career statistics and background information about Pat LaFontaine.
Player Info
Country: United States
Position: Center
Jersey #: 16
Status: Retired
Age: 61 years old
Physical Stats
Height: 5' 10" (178 cm)
Weight: 180 lbs (82 kg)
Born: St. Louis, Missouri
Career Stats
Seasons: 15
Goals: 468
Assists: 545
Points: 1013
Teams: 3
Drafted: 1983
Round: 1st
Hall of Fame: ✓ Inducted
Teams & Career
New York Islanders Buffalo Sabres New York Rangers
Pat LaFontaine played for 3 different teams during his 15 seasons career. He was originally drafted 1st overall by the New York Islanders in 1983.