Andre Lacroix, an original member of the Philadelphia Flyers who became the World Hockey Association’s all-time leading scorer, has died at 81.
The NHL announced the passing of the prolific, Quebec-born center on Tuesday.
Lacroix launched his NHL career with the Flyers in 1967-68 and accumulated 170 points (72 goals, 98 assists) in 245 games over four seasons with the team.
“Lacroix’s impact extended well beyond the ice,” the Flyers said in a statement. “He was a beloved teammate who had a special ability to bring people together. His infectious personality and ability to light up any room he entered quickly made him an invaluable presence in the locker room and in the community.”
After one season with the Chicago Black Hawks in 1971-72, he jumped to the newly created WHA’s Philadelphia Blazers and led the league with 124 points (50 goals, 74 assists) in 78 games.
Lacroix won a second WHA scoring title with 147 points (41 goals, 106 assists) in 78 games with the San Diego Mariners in 1974-75. At the time, his assist total stood as a single-season record in professional hockey. Wayne Gretzky broke it with 109 assists for the Edmonton Oilers in 1980-81.
Lacroix finished as the WHA’s all-time leader in points (798), assists (547) and games played (551) with the Blazers, New York Golden Blades/Jersey Knights, Mariners, Houston Aeros and New England Whalers.
Following the WHA-NHL merger, he returned to the NHL and appeared in 29 games for the Hartford Whalers in 1979-80 before retiring. His pro totals included 996 points (330 goals, 666 assists) in 876 games.