Jack Laviolette

Jean-Baptiste "Jack" Laviolette (born - July 27, 1879 in Belleville, Ontario - died - January 10, 1960) was a Canadian professional player who played nine seasons for the Montreal Canadiens hockey club.

Mr. Laviolette was one of the first francophone stars of ice hockey. He was an outstanding scorer from the defenceman position. But Jack Laviolette's true place in hockey history has less to do with his scoring prowess and more to do with his role as the true founding organizer of the Canadiens hockey club. He was their first player, coach and general manager in their inaugural 1910 season.

With the formation of the National Hockey Association (NHA) in December 1909, (replaced 7 years later by the NHL), team/league owner Ambrose O'Brien asked Mr. Laviolette to put together a team made up of French Canadian players to play as the "Les Canadiens" franchise in Montreal. Mr. Laviolette completed the task in time for the NHA's inaugural season. Among those that would sign on to that first team would be future hall of famers Newsy Lalonde and Didier Pitre. The team he built would go on to be the most successful franchise in professional hockey.

Playing career
Mr. Laviolette would first play elite-level senior men's amateur hockey in 1904 for the Montreal Nationale, famous for being one of the first men's teams composed of francophones. From 1905 onward, he would play as a professional, first with the Soo Indians of the International Professional Hockey League for three seasons, and then return to Montreal to play for Montreal Shamrocks in the 1908 and 1909 seasons.

He would then star for the new Canadiens franchise from 1910 until 1918 scoring 45 goals in 147 games, winning the Stanley Cup in 1916.

Mr. Laviolette lost his right foot in an automobile accident in 1919, ending his playing career. A benefit game for Jack was arranged at the Mount Royal Arena in 1921. He was the guest of honour, and also refereed.

Career statistics
National Hockey League - Regular Season
 * Note: GP = Games played, G = Goals, A = Assists, PTS = Points, PIM = Penalties In Minutes

Awards & Achievements

 * 1915–16 - Stanley Cup Champion
 * 1962 - Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame
 * Inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame