Thoughts On The LaFontaine Islanders Hall Of Fame Announcement — Including From The Maven, Stan Fischler
Pat LaFontaine will become the 17th inductee into the New York Islanders Hall of Fame.
During Pat LaFontaine’s Charity Golf outing, New York Islanders owner Jon Ledecky grabbed the microphone as he usually does at most events.
However, the words that left his mouth sent a shockwave through LaFontaine, his former teammates, and all the guests on hand for such a wonderful occasion.
“So, I have in my posession a press release that’s about to go out,” Ledecky said. “And the press release says, ‘The New York Islanders have announced today that Pat LaFontaine will be inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame’.”
LaFontaine becomes the 17th inductee into the Islanders Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place on Dec. 13 when the Islanders host the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Drafted by the Islanders third overall in the 1983 NHL Draft, LaFontaine played 530 regular-season games for the franchise, recording 566 points (287 goals, 279 assists).
In 50 postseason games, he recorded 36 points (14 goals, 22 assists), scoring two playoff overtime goals.
On Apr. 18, 1987, in Game 7 of the Patrick Division Semi-Finals against the Washington Capitals, LaFontaine played hero in the fourth overtime, a game that has been nicknamed “The Easter Epic.”
His other overtime winner came on Apr. 6, 1998, against the New Jersey Devils in Game 1 of the Patrick Division Semi-Finals.
“I was very humbled,” LaFontaine told The Elmonters correspondent Allan Kreda late on Thursday night. “This is very meaningful to me.”
The Maven, Stan Fischler:
If you wanted to create the ideal hockey player -- and I do mean IDEAL -- you could stop at Pat LaFontaine. There was Patty, and they eschewed the mold.
He was one of many kinds: speed demon on the ice; a clean player like you’d like a clean player to be, yet still tough in his own way; an honorable teammate, a scorer, a playmaker, and I could go on and on until I reached Montauk Point.
No question he arrived in Uniondale following the toughest act of all -- the Dynasty teams -- and he, along with Patrick Flatley, did it with passion and perfection. They not only followed the Dynasty act, they created one of their own, and I was fortunate enough to be covering the team for SportsChannel and even more fortunate to be in Landover, Maryland, when Pat scored ‘The Easter Epic’ goal.
And even more fortunate -- from a pro broadcasting viewpoint -- to interview Patty before he even got to the dressing room and -- best of all -- to call Patty a dear friend to this day.
Three things confirm that: 1. He invited my wife, Shirley, and me to his wedding; the only player who ever did; 2. He has encouraged my son Simon and grandchildren Ariel, Odel, and Avigail in their hockey pursuits; and 3. Patty and I have maintained our swordfish password gag for a good 35 years!
I couldn’t be more delighted with Sir LaFontaine’s induction, and congratulate the Islanders' high command for the decision.
I love the way The Man played the game and love The Man as a real pal.
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