Pat LaFontaine
Pat LaFontaine
Patrick Michael "Pat" LaFontaineis an American former ice hockey center in the National Hockey Leaguewho spent his entire career playing for the league's New York State-based teams; LaFontaine played for the New York Islanders from 1983 until 1991, the Buffalo Sabres from 1991 until 1997, and the New York Rangers from 1997 until his retirement in 1998, scoring 468 goals and 1,013 points along the way before his career was ended by concussions. His 1.17 points per gameis the best...
ProfessionHockey Player
Date of Birth22 February 1965
CitySt. Louis, MO
Being with these kids -- knowing their smiles, their pain and their courage -- changed my life.
For some reasons, things seemed to click right away.
I am so proud of my brother. My dad's focus in life has always been to focus on improving your weaknesses because it will also improve your strengths. He is bringing the philosophy to his own team and it's a lesson that carries through not only as a hockey player but for everything you do in life.
When we came here in 1991, this community embraced me and my family. Everywhere I've gone, people come up and say: 'Thank you for everything you do.' Tonight, I want to tell you it's my turn.
Opening this Lion's Den is truly my dream come true for the patients here at Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo, many of whom I've had the pleasure to meet and become friends with over the years.
This was a gift in our lives, for my family and I to play those six years for this wonderful organization. To play in front of you fans is something I will cherish for a lifetime.
Not in my wildest dreams I'd think a night like this would happen. To be back in this fashion is really special. This gesture is over the top and overwhelming.
I can't tell you guys how honored I am and how proud I am to join the great tradition and to be up there with you guys. When I was my son's age, about 10, I had a childhood idol and I can't tell you, in my wildest dreams, that I'd ever think that my jersey would be going next to his.
I feel a little bit of everything, but most of all I'm humbled and honored.
You can't abuse your body and you need to work hard on your weaknesses. Everyone likes to focus on the things they are good at. But when you focus on the things you are weak at, it makes you a much better athlete.
I have a brother who practiced every bit as much as I did, but he never made pro. In order to make it as a pro you have to develop your God-given skills.
A lot of people think that you have to specialize in one sport from an early age in order to turn pro. Most of my teammates played a lot of different sports when we were kids. I liked to golf, water ski and play baseball. That helped me develop other aspects of my game and made me WANT to be on the ice even more once hockey season started.
It is an immense privilege to be able to play in the NHL. I was very blessed and a lot of things went my way to be able to make it.
I've been fortunate. I've had no residual effects whatsoever. I got out just in time.