Career
LaForge was a cousin of Patrick LaForge, the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Edmonton Oilers. LaForge began his head coaching career in 1980-1981 with the Oshawa Generals. He quickly developed a reputation as a fiery leader who was not against using unorthodox motivational methods.
His teams became notorious for their pugilistic skills, and, after one bench clearing brawl, LaForge received a 50-game suspension.
LaForge was the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League for 20 games during the 1984-1985 season before being replaced by team general manager Harry Neale. His coaching methods, which including dividing the team into three groups and subjecting the losing squad to a series of exhausting tasks, alienated the team
After being fired, LaForge returned to the junior leagues, coaching the Hamilton Steelhawks and the Niagara Falls Thunder. LaForge died in 2005 after an apparent heart attack.