Apr 30 2024
CACNC’s Seaside Symposium – Keynote Speaker Margaret Hoelzer – Myrtle Beach, North Carolina
Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center
5-time All-Star and Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner Pat LaFontaine is one of the best American-born hockey players ever.
Pat LaFontaine is a 5-time all-star and Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner known for his illustrious hockey career with the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabers, and New York Rangers. LaFontaine is one of six players in NHL history to skate for all three teams based in the state of New York. However, he is the only one to have played his entire career solely in the state of New York. Pat LaFontaine is available to be booked for corporate and private events. He is also well-known for his keynote and motivational speaking. Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group today to inquire about Pat LaFontaine’s fees.
Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group at 215-510-6607 to book Pat LaFontaine for corporate or private events, keynote speeches, workshops, fireside chats, motivational speaking, or virtual appearances. Our agency will work directly with your organization and our keynote speakers to create an unforgettable event.
The Mollie Plotkin Group is the leading keynote speakers agency and entertainment bureau bringing excitement to audiences, clients, and employees. We represent subject-matter experts in every possible field, so whether we’re your partner in creating a memorable meeting, or your meeting planner’s secret weapon in securing the perfect keynote speaker, we’re in this with you.
The New York Islanders selected Pat LaFontaine with the 3rd pick overall in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. After representing the United States in the 1984 Winter Olympics, LaFontaine joined the Islanders in time for the Stanley Cup Finals. Unfortunately, the Islanders lost to the Edmonton Oilers in 5 games, ending the Islander’s run of four consecutive Stanley Cup championships.
After multiple years of success, but team shortcomings in the playoffs, LaFontaine chose not to resign with the Islanders. In 1991, the Islanders traded LaFontaine to the Buffalo Sabres. In only 57 games in the 1991–92 season, LaFontaine scored 46 goals and 93 points for his new team.
The following season, LaFontaine recorded a personal best and team-record 148 points. Those 148 points are also the most points scored by an American-born player in one season. A serious knee injury sidelined LaFontaine for most of the 1993-94 season, but he returned as team captain in 1994-95 and won the Bill Masterton Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
However, in the 1996–97 season, LaFontaine had a serious concussion that resulted in post-concussion syndrome. During his career, LaFontaine dealt with numerous concussions, leaving Sabres management, in conjunction with team doctors and specialists, refusing to clear LaFontaine to return and recommending he retire. However, LaFontaine still believed he could play. So in 1997, the Sabres traded Pat to the New York Rangers. This move completed Pat’s “Empire State hat trick” of playing for all three NHL organizations within New York State. During his only season with the Rangers, he led the team in goals scored and recorded his 1,000th career NHL point.
In addition to his Olympic experience in 1984, LaFontaine represented the United States at the World Championships in 1989 and at the Canada Cup in 1987 and 1991. He was a member of the American team that beat Canada at the World Cup of Hockey in 1996 and also played for the U.S. Olympic team in Nagano in 1998.
He was the first active player to receive the USA Hockey Distinguished Achievement Award, presented to a U.S. citizen who has made hockey his or her profession and has made an outstanding contribution to the sport.
Following another concussion in 1998, LaFontaine announced his retirement after the season. His 1.17 Points-per-Game (1,013 points over 865 games) is the 15th-best among all players All-Time and the best by any American-born hockey player in NHL history. His 0.541 Goals-Per-Game is also 17th best all-time.
He joined the NHL in an executive position in 2013. Reporting to Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, LaFontaine focused on player safety issues and matters relating to the organization of amateur hockey, primarily in North America. He now manages the Player Assistance Fund on behalf of the NHL and the NHL Alumni Association. In that capacity, he works to provide funding to former players in need of legal, healthcare, or emotional services.
Pat also serves as the founder and president of the Companions in Courage Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that builds interactive game rooms in children’s hospitals throughout North America. Working with corporate sponsors such as Microsoft, DuPont, Cisco, Merrill Lynch, and Google, these “Lion’s Den” rooms connect sick children to their friends, families, and heroes.
In 2003, Pat was enshrined in both the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, MN. This marked the first time that any player had been elected into both halls in the same year. In 2004, the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame inducted LaFontaine into its ranks. Later in 2007, he joined the Nassau County Sports Hall of Fame. On March 3, 2006, the Buffalo Sabres celebrated Pat LaFontaine’s career in western New York with the ultimate honor in sports. The team retired LaFontaine’s #16, making him the 6th player to have his number retired by the Buffalo Sabres.
In 1998 Pat was honored with the Public Leadership in Neurology Award for his work in Public Awareness of Concussion In Sports. In April 2003, the Gift of Life Foundation, an organization promoting the cure and treatment of children’s heart disease in third-world countries, recognized LaFontaine with the International Humanitarian Award.
Pope Francis also invited Pat to the Vatican for Sport at the Service of Humanity: The First Global Conference on Faith & Sport in October 2016. Additionally, he participated in Leslie Maxie’s Sheen Center Series Faith: The Competitive Edge. For groups looking for a keynote mix of sports, motivation, and faith, hiring Pat LaFontaine is a great choice.
Find out how to hire Pat LaFontaine to appear at your next event. Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group to inquire about Pat LaFontaine’s availability and cost. When hiring Pat LaFontaine for an event, we need to know the type of venue and location the event will take place. Pat LaFontaine is a popular choice for corporate events, private events, and virtual events. So, you can click the Check Availability button or contact us and an MPG Pat LaFontaine booking agent will get back to you within 48 hours.
How much to book Pat LaFontaine depends on the type of event. So, the cost to hire Pat LaFontaine for corporate or private events is available by contacting a Mollie Plotkin Group Agent. Notably, Pat LaFontaine is available for conferences, festivals, private parties, and events. Just contact the Mollie Plotkin Group and tell the booking agent the proposed date, time, and location.
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Pat’s career was cut short by injuries, particularly head trauma. Due to that, Pat has made it his mission to ensure the safety of the athletes that follow him. While hockey is full of contact, every sport faces issues with concussions and head collisions. From football to soccer, athletes and organizations need to continue making strides to prevent lasting damage to players of all age groups. While injuries to the head are the most concerning, this injury prevention extends to all areas. In this keynote, Pat will motivate, inform, and inspire you with his story and mission.
Key Takeaways:
Pat LaFontaine’s hockey career, success after his playing days, and all of the ups and downs along the way have positioned him as an amazing motivational speaker. As Pat likes to say, “Life’s experiences – good, bad, or indifferent – prepare you for what’s to come next – good, bad, or indifferent.” His experiences and life story of perseverance, dedication, and determination apply to any and every audience.
This keynote not only leaves audiences inspired for days. But it pushes them to channel that inspiration any day afterward – by drawing on their purpose. Pat has said, “You don’t choose a calling, a calling chooses you.” But when faced with your darkest moments or hardest challenges, you can find the inner resolve and motivation by drawing on that purpose.
Key Takeaways:
