André Lacroix had an exceptional career in the World Hockey Association (WHA), finishing as the top scorer in the history of the “cursed circuit” when you add up the sum of the seven seasons he played. A record, he says, that will never be beaten.
” It’s certain ! adds the former striker with a laugh. The league no longer exists! »
In 551 games, Lacroix scored 251 goals and collected 547 assists for 798 points.
But that’s not what makes Lacroix happiest when he thinks back to his seven WHA campaigns. Rather, it is his place in history alongside some of hockey’s legends.
“In 1974-75, I had an exceptional season [avec les Mariners de San Diego], says the 77-year-old man, who has lived in the United States for many years. I was a center player, so the most important thing for me was to be a good passer. »
“That year, I collected 106 assists, he adds proudly. In the history of professional hockey, there are only four players who have obtained more than 100 assists in a season: Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux and… me! »
Unhappy in Chicago
André Lacroix had been playing in the National League for five years when he received a call in 1972 from one of the owners of the Philadelphia Blazers, a franchise that was to join the new World Association.
“At the time, I was in Chicago, with the Blackhawks, explains the native of Lauzon, a city now annexed to Lévis. I was not happy with the team. He told me they had seen me play with the Flyers for three years and he wanted me in Philadelphia. »
Like many of his WHA teammates, Lacroix didn’t hesitate long. The club offered him a five-year pact and doubled the salary granted to him by the Hawks.
Of course, Lacroix saw green and unripe ones in the World Association. Because if many alumni believe that the league was not so far from the NHL, there were these many teams that declared bankruptcy, these strange arenas …
But nothing to cause regret in this pioneer of the “rebel circuit”, who still plays hockey every Sunday.