Hockey Great Pat LaFontaine Speaks at Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity Diocesan High School held their first Father’s Communion Breakfast where NHL Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine served as the keynote speaker.

LaFontaine, a Long Island resident, spoke to the crowd of fathers, grandfathers, sons and daughters on April 22 about the importance of being a father and reflected upon his childhood and how his father was his role model.

He also spoke about his Roman Catholic faith and how it has helped him throughout his personal and professional life. 

His hockey career began with being drafted by the New York Islanders in 1984 and then moving to the Buffalo Sabres and New York Rangers. It was during his time playing in Buffalo when he spent time at the Buffalo Children’s Hospital.

The visits eventually led to the creation of his foundation, “Companions in Courage”, which raises funds to build interactive playrooms in hospitals throughout North America.

“What a great day for the Holy Trinity dads, granddads and sons to hear from not only a great hockey player, but a standout father, husband, coach and man of faith, said The Rev. Joseph Fitzgerald, the school’s chaplain and organizer of this event. "What a great way to kick off this annual event to bring in not only a Champion and Companion in courage, but a Champion in Faith.”