Former Pete André Lacroix Dies at 81, Leaving Behind a Remarkable Hockey Legacy
/By Scott Arnold
Former Peterborough Petes forward André Lacroix, who recorded an incredible 239 points in just 97 games with the team before becoming one of professional hockey’s most prolific playmakers, has died at the age of 81.
Former Petes forward André Lacroix, who recorded 239 points in 97 games with Peterborough from 1964 to 1966. (Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes)
The Peterborough Petes, Philadelphia Flyers and the NHL all paid tribute to Lacroix following news of his passing on Tuesday, October 27th, remembering a player whose impact on the game extended well beyond his time in Peterborough.
A native of Lauzon, Quebec, Lacroix played for the Petes from 1964 to 1966, recording an incredible 239 points in just 97 games. That's an average of nearly 2.5 points per game. To put that into perspective, no other player in Petes franchise history has recorded more than 140 points in fewer than 100 games, while only six other Petes have surpassed 100 points in fewer than 100 games. His 239 points put him 20th on the Petes’ all-time points list.
André Lacroix during his time with the Peterborough Petes, then the TPT Petes, in the 1960s. (Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes)
That production was just the beginning of an accomplished professional career that saw him play 325 regular-season games in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Black Hawks and Hartford Whalers.
Lacroix became one of the early standouts of the Flyers, joining the franchise during its inaugural season in 1967. He led Philadelphia in scoring in both the 1968-69 and 1969-70 seasons, helping establish himself as a key offensive presence during the team's formative years.
However, it was in the World Hockey Association (WHA) where Lacroix truly cemented his place in hockey history.
André Lacroix (#12) leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of the most prolific players to ever wear a Peterborough Petes uniform. (Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes)
Playing seven seasons in the league, he became its all-time leading scorer with 798 points, including 251 goals and 547 assists, in 551 games. He also won two WHA scoring titles, including a remarkable 1974-75 season with the San Diego Mariners, when he recorded 147 points in 78 games.
His 106 assists that season set a professional hockey record at the time, making him just the second player to record at least 100 assists in a single professional season, after Bobby Orr. Wayne Gretzky eventually surpassed the mark with 109 assists in 1980-81.
Lacroix also represented Canada in the 1974 Summit Series against the Soviet Union, recording seven points in eight games. He scored the winning goal in Canada's only victory of the series, a 4-1 decision in Game 2 at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto.
Following the WHA-NHL merger in 1979, Lacroix returned to the NHL for one final season with the Hartford Whalers before retiring from professional hockey.
Beyond his accomplishments on the ice, the Flyers remembered Lacroix as a beloved teammate with an infectious personality who brought people together and made a lasting impression in the locker room and community. The team also honoured him during its broadcast on Monday night.
André Lacroix, remembered for his remarkable contributions to the Petes and his lasting impact on professional hockey. (Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes)
