Michel Larocque facts for kids

Michel Raymond "Bunny" Larocque (born April 6, 1952 – died July 29, 1992) was a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. He played for several teams in the National Hockey League (NHL). These teams included the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, and St. Louis Blues. Michel Larocque was a four-time Stanley Cup champion with the Montreal Canadiens.

Playing Career Highlights

Michel Larocque started his hockey journey playing junior hockey. He played for the Ottawa 67's from 1968 to 1972. During his last three years there, he led the league in shutouts. A shutout is when a goalie stops every shot and doesn't let the other team score any goals. He was also known for being a tough player and often got into fights.

In 1972, the Montreal Canadiens picked him sixth overall in the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft. Before joining the NHL, he played for the Nova Scotia Voyageurs in the American Hockey League (AHL) in 1973. He played so well that he won the Hap Holmes Memorial Award with his teammate Michel Deguise.

Joining the NHL

Larocque began his NHL career with the Canadiens in 1974. This was when Ken Dryden, a famous goalie, took a break to finish his law degree. Larocque shared the goalie duties with other players that season. He was the main goalie for the playoffs.

When Dryden returned in 1975, Larocque became his backup. Together, they won four Vezina Trophies. This award was given to the main goalies on the team that allowed the fewest goals in the regular season. Most of these awards were thanks to Dryden's amazing play. In 1977, Larocque had the best goals against average (GAA) in the NHL, which means he let in very few goals. However, since Dryden was the main goalie, Larocque only played 26 games that season.

Stanley Cup Wins

The Canadiens won four Stanley Cups during this time. These wins were in 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979. Even though Larocque was part of these winning teams, he only played one period in the playoffs during this period. Dryden was the goalie for most of the playoff games.

Later Career

In 1979, Ken Dryden retired. This meant Larocque got to play more games. He won his fourth and final Vezina Trophy in 1981. He shared this award with Denis Herron and Richard Sévigny.

Later in 1981, he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He played 50 games for the Maple Leafs the next season. The team was having a tough time. He was then traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 1983. He finished his NHL career with the St. Louis Blues in 1984. Larocque retired from hockey in 1985 after playing a few games in the IHL.

Nickname

Michel Larocque was known by the nickname "Bunny." This name was given to him by his mother when he was a baby, and it stayed with him throughout his life.

Retirement and Death

After he stopped playing hockey, Michel Larocque continued to be involved in the sport. He worked as the general manager for the Victoriaville Tigres in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) during the 1989–90 season. He even won an award for being the best executive in the QMJHL that year. He also served as the vice president of the QMJHL from 1991 to 1992.

Michel Larocque passed away at the age of 40 in his hometown of Hull, Quebec. He died from brain cancer.

Awards and Achievements

• Selected to the OHA-Jr. Second All-Star Team in 1971.
• Selected to the OHA-Jr. First All-Star Team in 1972.
• Hap Holmes Memorial Award winner in 1973 (shared with Michel Deguise).
• Selected to the AHL Second All-Star Team in 1973.
• Vezina Trophy winner in 1977, 1978 and 1979 (all shared with Ken Dryden); 1981 (shared with Denis Herron and Richard Sevigny).
• Stanley Cup championship in 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979.
• John Horman Trophy winner in 1990.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs