Former NHL forward Andre Lacroix, one of the most productive scorers of his era, has died at 81.
The Philadelphia Flyers announced his passing on Tuesday and remembered the player who became part of the organization before its inaugural season in 1967-68. In their statement, the team said:
“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.”
A native of Lauzon, Que., Lacroix came to Philadelphia’s system after a strong run with the American Hockey League’s Quebec Aces. The Flyers brought him up in 1968, and he didn’t take long to establish himself as a scoring threat. He netted 20 goals in each of his first three full NHL seasons and posted back-to-back 50-point campaigns as one of the “Next Six” clubs looked to build its identity.
His NHL path shifted in 1971 when he was dealt to the Chicago Black Hawks. After a difficult year there, Lacroix moved to the World Hockey Association, eventually returning to Philadelphia when he signed with the Philadelphia Blazers. Though he had originally been drafted by the Quebec Nordiques, his WHA career took him through a string of relocated teams: the Blazers, New York Golden Blades/Jersey Knights, San Diego Mariners, Houston Aeros and New England Whalers.
That stretch became the most prolific of his career. Lacroix put together six 100-point seasons, the most in WHA history, including 106 assists and 147 points with San Diego in 1974-75.
He won the Bill Hunter Trophy twice as the league’s top scorer, and when the WHA shut down in 1979 he sat atop the all-time list in games played with 551, assists with 547 and points with 798. He also added 43 points in 48 Avco Cup Playoff games.
Lacroix also earned a place on Canada’s roster for the 1974 Summit Series against the Soviet Union, finishing with seven points in eight games as the USSR won the series 4-1-3.
He later followed the Whalers into the NHL and produced 17 points in 29 games with Hartford before retiring. Across 325 regular-season NHL games, Lacroix finished with 79 goals and 198 points, and he added seven points in 16 Stanley Cup Playoff appearances.
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