Defender who won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens and was known for his smooth skating and puck-handling skills. He later coached in the NHL and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Known for his powerful slapshot and bone-jarring bodychecks, Guy Lapointe is a Canadian hockey legend who left an indelible mark on the National Hockey League (NHL). A six-time Stanley Cup champion with the Montreal Canadiens, Lapointe's impressive career spanned over a decade, earning him a rightful place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Born on March 18, 1948, in Montreal, Quebec, Lapointe's love affair with hockey began at a young age. He played junior hockey with the Montreal Junior Canadiens before being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1966. His impressive skills and physical play quickly earned him a spot on the team's roster, and he made his NHL debut in 1968.
Lapointe's most successful years were alongside his defensive partners Larry Robinson and Serge Savard, forming the formidable "Big Three." Together, they played a pivotal role in the Canadiens' Stanley Cup victories in 1971, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979. This trio's incredible chemistry and skill set the standard for NHL defensemen, and their legendary status continues to inspire future generations of players.
Lapointe's powerful slapshot was his most potent weapon, earning him the nickname "Pointu" – a French term meaning "sharp" or "pointy." He holds the Montreal Canadiens' record for most goals in a season by a defenseman (28) and most goals by a rookie defenseman (15). His incredible speed, agility, and accuracy made him a force to be reckoned with on the ice.
After retiring from hockey in 1984, Lapointe transitioned into coaching and scouting. He currently serves as the Coordinator of Amateur Scouting for the Minnesota Wild. Lapointe's influence on modern hockey extends beyond his playing days, as he continues to develop and mentor young talent, shaping the future of the sport.
Lapointe's sense of humor and playful nature have become legendary in hockey circles. His most famous prank is the Vaseline-coated handshake with then-Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau, leaving an indelible mark on Canadian hockey history.
Guy Lapointe's enduring legacy in hockey is a testament to his incredible talent, dedication, and passion for the sport. As a player, coach, and scout, he continues to inspire generations of hockey enthusiasts, solidifying his place as one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history.
74 Years Old
A legendary defenseman and coach who won two Stanley Cups as a player and another as a coach, earning him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
78 Years Old
A Hall of Fame goalie who won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, and later became a prominent politician and lawyer, known for his advocacy on social issues.
74 Years Old
A legendary hockey player who won five Stanley Cup championships and was known for his speed, scoring ability, and charismatic personality. He is considered one of the greatest players in NHL history.
Born in 1921
Legendary hockey player and coach, known for being the first to score 50 goals in a single season and leading the Montreal Canadiens to eight Stanley Cup championships.
90 Years Old
A Hall of Fame center who won a record 11 Stanley Cup championships with the Montreal Canadiens, earning the nickname "The Pocket Rocket" for his speed and agility.
82 Years Old
Legendary right-winger who won 10 Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, earning the nickname "Roadrunner" for his speed and scoring prowess.
80 Years Old
A Hall of Fame player and coach who won multiple Stanley Cups and is credited with popularizing the neutral-zone trap defensive strategy in hockey.
72 Years Old
A Hall of Fame left winger who won five Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens and is known for his defensive prowess, earning him the Frank J. Selke Trophy four times.
