Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

The Verdun Juniors of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League had a star player who dominated the league like no one had before. He scored 104 goals and 130 assists for 234 points; all done in a 70 game schedule. That player—PAT LAFONTAINE. He ended up as first draft choice of the New York Islanders in 1983, the third choice overall. And after playing with the United States National Team, LAFONTAINE joined the Islanders during the 1983-84 season. PAT LAFONTAINE starred with the Islanders for eight seasons, enjoying two 30-goal seasons, three 40-goals campaigns and one season with 54 goals. But in October 1991, LaFONTAINE was traded to the Buffalo Sabres. In his first season—46 goals. Second season—53 goals. And then disaster hit. A concussion kept PAT out of all but 16 games in 1993-94. During a shortened NHL season (44 games), LAFONTAINE was able to play just 22 games in 1994-95. Yet, playing just half a season, LaFONTAINE still scored 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points. For the 1994-95 season, PAT LAFONTAINE, having recovered from a serious head injury, was awarded the MASTERTON TROPHY. In 1995-96, PAT LaFONTAINE had recovered sufficiently to play 76 of the 82 game schedule. He found his magic touch had never left, and potted 40 goals and 51 assists for 91 points. Sadly, LaFONTAINE suffered yet another concussion on March 16, 1998, this one while playing with the New York Rangers against Ottawa. It ended the season for the scoring star, and PAT LaFONTAINE retired before the next season began.