Ron Lapointe facts for kids

Ron Lapointe (born November 12, 1949 – died March 23, 1992) was a Canadian ice hockey coach. He was known for his work with several hockey teams, including the Quebec Nordiques in the NHL.

Early Life and Coaching Beginnings

Ron Lapointe grew up in Verdun, Quebec, a city in Canada. He started his hockey career in the junior league, which is a league for younger players, called the QMJHL. He became the head coach for the Shawinigan Cataractes, a team in that league.

Later, he moved on to work as an assistant coach for professional teams. He helped out the New York Islanders and the Washington Capitals. He also coached the Fredericton Express team in the American Hockey League, which is a league just below the NHL.

Coaching in the NHL

Lapointe became the main coach for the Quebec Nordiques during the 1987–88 NHL season. He took over partway through the season.

In the 1988–89 season, after coaching 34 games, he had to stop coaching. This was because he was dealing with a kidney tumor, which is a type of growth.

Later Career and Legacy

After leaving the Nordiques, Lapointe coached the Milwaukee Admirals for two seasons. This was a team in a minor league, which is a professional league below the NHL. Health issues later made him step down from that role too. He then worked as a scout for the Vancouver Canucks, helping them find new players.

Ron Lapointe's total record as an NHL coach was 33 wins, 50 losses, and 6 ties. He passed away at the age of 42 on March 23, 1992. He had been battling kidney cancer for three years. To honor his memory, the Ron Lapointe Trophy was created. This award is given to the best coach in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League each year.

Coaching Record