Claude Lapointe

Background

Lapointe grew up in the city of Lachine, Quebec.

Career

In his career, Lapointe played for the Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, New York Islanders, and Philadelphia Flyers. As a child all he did was play hockey. As a teenager his first job wasn"t an average job.

lieutenant was playing in the QMJHL. Players in this league got paid just like players in the National Hockey League do, just not as much money.

Other than this, Lapointe had no other occupations other than hockey. He was offered a scholarship by the University of Michigan but he refused lieutenant

He was drafted by the Nordiques (now the Colorado Avalanche) in the 12th round of the 1988 National Hockey League Draft, with the 234th overall pick. Lapointe spent most of his National Hockey League career with the New York Islanders.

He was there from the 1996-1997 season to the 2002-2003 season.

He also received awards for reaching the 800 game mark, (over 1000 National Hockey League games including reg season, playoffs, and pre-season), over 100 goals. Similarly, Lapointe was among the league"s elite in terms of physical conditioning. In 1999, he represented Canada at the IIHF World Hockey Championships in Norway, only to lose to Sweden in the bronze medal game.

Lapointe is a strategic player with great anticipation skills, incredible skating skills and played every shift with intensity.

He had an in-your-face hockey style but was well-liked and well-respected by coaches, teammates, referees,and management around the league. During the 2002-2003 season he was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers and in 2004, Lapointe retired from the National Hockey League.

Achievements

• While with the New York Islanders, he received many honors such as many NYI Fan club Most Valuable Player awards and three Bob Nystrom awards, which is awarded to the player who most exemplifies leadership, hustle, and dedication. Other achievements include being named Assistant captain with the Islanders, ranking among the Top 3 in the National Hockey League for face-off win percentage for 15 years consecutively - his entire National Hockey League career. Lapointe credits his motivational approach and his attention to detail as the keys to successfully understanding what each player needs to keep them improving beyond what they think they are capable of achieving.