Tarmac Online

New York Hockey Great Is Even Better Off the Ice

by Timothy Stoeber ’26

Editor’s Note: Article was published in the Winter (December) 2024 Print Edition of Tarmac. It was the last print copy of Tarmac. 

His handshake is firm, as you would expect from a National Hockey League Hall of Famer. He does not rush through greeting you, and he accompanies the handshake with direct eye contact. It becomes very clear that when you meet Pat LaFontaine that he has given you his undivided attention, and that you are compelled to do the same in return.

LaFontaine has received countless on-ice awards throughout his playing career. He was named one of the Greatest 100 NHL Players of all time. The five-time All-Star is also among a small handful of players who could contend for the title of best American-born player. He has records that have gone unbroken for decades. One of them, the most points per game by an American-born player, may never be broken.

Tarmac had the chance to speak with this “hockey great” over the summer and ask him about his faith, hockey career, and charity work. In both the interview and throughout his life, LaFontaine displayed the attributes of a well-rounded Chaminade man: a devout Catholic who is deeply committed to doing his best and helping others.

LaFontaine was drafted by and began his playing career for the New York Islanders. He was then traded to the Buffalo Sabres, and finished his career with the New York Rangers. By the end of his career, LaFontaine could say he played for all three of New York’s hockey teams. “I was traded twice but never had to change license plates,” LaFontaine quipped.

LaFontaine’s Catholic faith made him a better hockey player and person. “Religion played a prominent role in my lifetime and it started at a young age,” LaFontaine observed. The hockey player’s Catholic values were instilled by his parents, who were both Eucharistic Ministers. “When we were on the road on Sundays,” he said, “we would always go to Mass if there was a Church.” 

When he was coached by his dad, LaFontaine and his brother would always pray before games. “We would take a knee,” he said, “and say the Our Father before we went out to play.” This tradition carried over to LaFontaine’s professional career, as he said the Our Father before every NHL game. 

In 2016, LaFontaine had the privilege of going to the Vatican for the “Sports at the Service of Humanity” Conference and even got to meet Pope Francis. LaFontaine said that being in the presence of His Holiness was an emotional and exciting experience: “I still remember the aura in the room when [Pope Francis] walked in.”

In addition to the support of his parents, LaFontaine credits legendary Islanders coach Al Arbour for helping him become a great player and person. “I always say that he is the Vince Lombardi of hockey,” LaFontaine remarked.

Many Islanders considered Coach Arbour to be a father figure, and LaFontaine remembers how Arbour helped him grow spiritually as well. “[Al Arbour] always had a Rosary in his left pocket and he used to go to Mass almost everyday,” he recalled. 

All-time great Islanders such as Bryan Trottier, Mike Bossy, Bobby Nystrom, and Clark Gillies also took LaFontaine under their wing, showing him how to be an NHL player and, more specifically, what it means to be a New York Islander. “Wearing the [Islander] jersey not only meant playing on the ice,” LaFontaine said, “but also being involved in the community.” 

LaFontaine carries these lessons with him as he advises people to “score your goals while you are young because life is all about the assists.” After retiring in 1998 LaFontaine founded the “Companions in Courage” Foundation, which began as an outgrowth from visiting children in hospitals during his NHL career. “My parents told me to always help those in need and never forget where you came from,” LaFontaine reflected. Companions in Courage builds interactive game rooms, known as Lion’s Dens, in hospitals across North America. The rooms are full of game consoles such as TVs, Xboxes, Chrome books, and 3D printers so kids can play and communicate with others. The rooms also have a futuristic look, with curved walls and tiles that change colors. “We gave them a safe space where kids can be kids,” LaFontaine added. 

For the kids that are unable to leave their rooms, Companions in Courage has built portable game kiosks that are rolled into the patient’s room. The kids are able to socialize with friends and family members through these kiosks.

Lion’s Dens are currently being built in Syracuse and at Yale Children’s Hospital. If you would like to learn more about the Companions in Courage Foundation or make a donation, please visit https://cic16.org/. 

Pat LaFontaine with Timothy Stoeber ’26 (photographed 8/31/2024)