Former NHLer Andre Lacroix passes away

“Lacroix’s impact extended well beyond the ice. He was a beloved teammate who had a special ability to bring people together. His infectious personality and ability to light up any room he entered quickly made him an invaluable presence in the locker room and in the community. The Flyers organization extends its condolences to André’s family, friends, former teammates and all those who knew and loved him.”

The Lauzon, Que. native joined the Flyers’ organization ahead of its inaugural season in 1967-68. After an exceptional performance with the American Hockey League’s Quebec Aces, Lacroix was called up by the Flyers in 1968. He quickly became a key scoring threat for one of the “Next Six,” scoring 20 goals in each of his first three full seasons in the NHL, including back-to-back 50-point campaigns.

He was traded to the Chicago Black Hawks in 1971, and after a tough season in the Windy City, Lacroix joined the World Hockey Association. Though the Quebec Nordiques originally drafted him, he returned to the City of Brotherly Love and signed with the Philadelphia Blazers.

Over the WHA’s seven seasons, Lacroix bounced around the league because of numerous relocations. He played for the Blazers, New York Golden Blades/Jersey Knights, San Diego Mariners, Houston Aeros and New England Whalers. He posted an incredible six 100-point seasons, the most in league history, including a career-high 106 assists and 147 points with the Mariners in 1974-75. He won the Bill Hunter Trophy as the WHA’s leading scorer twice, and when the league folded in 1979, he led all skaters with 551 games played, 547 assists, and 798 points. He also added 43 points in 48 Avco Cup Playoff appearances.

During his time in the league, Lacroix made the Canadian roster for the 1974 Summit Series against the Soviet Union. He scored seven points in eight games, though the USSR won the series 4-1-3.

Lacroix followed the Whalers to the NHL, scoring 17 points in 29 games with the Hartford franchise before hanging up his skates. In 325 career regular-season games in the league, he posted 79 goals and 198 points, with another seven points in 16 Stanley Cup Playoff contests.