Jack Laviolette facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jack Laviolette |
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| Hockey Hall of Fame, 1963 | |||
Laviolette in 1910
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| Born | July 17, 1879 Belleville, ON, CAN |
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| Died | January 9, 1960 (aged 80) Montreal, QC, CAN |
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| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) | ||
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb) | ||
| Position | Defence/Winger | ||
| Played for | Montreal Le National Michigan Soo Indians Montreal Shamrocks Montreal Canadiens |
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| Playing career | 1903–1918 | ||
John "Jack" Laviolette (born July 17, 1879 – died January 9, 1960) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played as a defenceman (a player who defends their own goal) and a winger (a player who plays on the sides of the ice). Jack played nine seasons with the famous Montreal Canadiens hockey team. He was super important to the team, becoming their very first captain, coach, and general manager. He even helped the Canadiens win the amazing Stanley Cup in 1916!
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Early Life and Hockey Start
Jack Laviolette was born in Belleville, Ontario, but he grew up in Valleyfield, Quebec. He was one of the first big hockey stars who was francophone, meaning he spoke French as his first language. This was a big deal at the time!
Building a Legendary Team
In December 1909, a new hockey league called the National Hockey Association (NHA) was formed. This league later became the NHL! The owner of the NHA, Ambrose O'Brien, had a special request for Jack. He asked Jack to put together a brand new team made up of French Canadian players to play in Montreal. This team would be called "Les Canadiens."
Jack worked hard and managed to get the team ready for the NHA's first season. He signed some amazing players who would later become famous, like Newsy Lalonde, Didier Pitre, and Georges Vezina. The team Jack helped create would go on to become one of the most successful teams in all of professional hockey history!
A Champion on the Ice
Jack Laviolette played a key role for the Canadiens. He was not just a player; he was also their first captain, coach, and general manager. This meant he helped lead the team on the ice, taught them how to play, and even helped manage the team's business side. His leadership helped the Canadiens win the Stanley Cup in 1916, which is one of the biggest achievements in hockey!
End of Career and Lasting Legacy
In 1918, Jack's playing career sadly came to an end. He was in a car accident and lost his right foot. Even though he couldn't play anymore, people still remembered his contributions to hockey. In 1921, a special game was held at the Mount Royal Arena just for him. Jack was the guest of honor and even got to be the referee for the game!
Jack Laviolette's impact on sports was remembered for many years. In 1960, he was honored by being inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame for his skills as a lacrosse player (he was good at that too!). Then, in 1962, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, which is one of the highest honors for a hockey player.
- Jack Laviolette's career stats at The Internet Hockey Database
- Jack Laviolette's NHL player profile
Images for kids
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Laviolette with the Montreal Canadiens.
