A record that will never be broken

Andre Lacroix has had an exceptional career in the World Hockey League (WHA), finishing as the top scorer in “Cursed Arena” history when you add up the sum of his seven seasons. It is a record, he says, that will never be defeated.

“That’s for sure! The former striker adds with a laugh. The league no longer exists!”

In 551 matches, Lacroix scored 251 goals and collected 547 assists for 798 points.

But that’s not what makes Lacroix happiest when he considers going back to his seven global health campaigns. It even has its place in history along with some hockey legends.

“In 1974-1975, I had an exceptional season [avec les Mariners de San Diego]Says the 77-year-old who has lived in the United States for many years. I was a central player, so the most important thing for me was to be a good passer. »

He proudly adds: “In that year, I collected 106 assists. In the history of professional hockey, there are only four players who received more than 100 assists in a season: Wayne Gretsky, Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux and … me! »

Unhappy in Chicago

Andre Lacroix had been playing in the National League for five years when he got a call in 1972 from one of the owners of the Philadelphia Blazers, a franchise that was set to join the New World League.

“At the time, I was in Chicago, with the Black Hawks, and that’s explained by the native Luzon, a city that has now been annexed to Levis. I wasn’t happy with the team. He told me they had seen me play for the Flyers for three years and he wanted me in Philadelphia.”

Like many of his WHA teammates, Lacroix didn’t hesitate for long. The club offered him a five-year contract and doubled the salary given to him by the Falcons.

Of course, Lacroix saw green and immature plants in the world association. Because if many alumni thought the league wasn’t far from the NHL, there were so many teams that went bankrupt, these weird arenas…

But nothing to be sad about this pioneer of the “Rebel Arena,” who still plays hockey every Sunday.