André Lacroix

June 5, 1945 – October 27, 2026

A Hockey Legend. A Devoted Father and Grandfather. A Friend to All.

The family of André Lacroix Sr. announces with profound sadness, but immense gratitude for a life beautifully lived, his peaceful passing on October 27, 2026, at the age of 81.

To the hockey world, he was “The Magician,” one of the most gifted playmakers of his generation. To his family, he was Papa and Grandpapa. And to countless others, he was simply André—a warm, generous man whose kindness, humor, and genuine interest in others made everyone feel like an old friend.

Born in Lauzon, Québec, on June 5, 1945, André was the youngest of 14 children—seven boys and seven girls—and the only one to play hockey. From those humble beginnings in a large French-Canadian family, his remarkable talent and determination would carry him to some of hockey’s greatest stages. He came to the United States in 1967, beginning a new chapter in a life that would touch countless people on both sides of the border. Yet no matter how far the game took him, he never forgot where he came from or the values that shaped him.

André played in the National Hockey League with the Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, and Hartford Whalers, and became one of the defining stars of the World Hockey Association. A two-time WHA scoring champion and the league’s all-time leading scorer, he achieved six consecutive 100-point seasons, a distinction unmatched in WHA history.

During the 1974–75 season, André recorded an extraordinary 106 assists, surpassing Bobby Orr’s professional hockey record and becoming only the second player to reach 100 assists in a single season. His record stood until Wayne Gretzky surpassed it in 1980–81. To this day, André remains one of only six players in professional hockey history to achieve this remarkable feat, alongside Bobby Orr, Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Connor McDavid, and Nikita Kucherov.

His extraordinary vision and creativity earned him the nickname “The Magician,” along with recognition as Professional Canadian Athlete of the Year in 1974 and French-Canadian Athlete of the Year in 1975. He also represented Canada in the 1974 Summit Series against the Soviet Union, scoring the game-winning goal in Canada’s only victory.

Perhaps most fittingly, André’s greatest talent was creating opportunities for others to shine—a gift that defined not only his hockey career but also the way he lived his life. His greatest assists were not always recorded on a scoresheet.

His dedication to developing young hockey players became one of the defining missions of his life.

Over the decades, André coached and mentored thousands of young athletes. From establishing youth hockey programs in Oakland, California, to coaching collegiate and championship high school teams, he shared far more than his knowledge of the game. He taught young players about perseverance, teamwork, sportsmanship, and believing in themselves. To André, every young athlete deserved encouragement.

Among his proudest accomplishments was coaching his daughter Chantal’s high school hockey team to a championship. His influence continued throughout her own coaching career, as he has remained a mentor, trusted adviser, and constant source of encouragement.

He took his final shift in Northeast Ohio as director of Geauga Youth Hockey at The Pond, coaching University School’s varsity team, and becoming the first coach of Gilmour Academy’s U16 boys’ hockey team.

Some of André Sr.’s happiest moments were spent coaching alongside his children, André Jr. and Chantal. He was often found beside André Jr., helping coach his grandsons’ teams at Gilmour Academy. Whether offering advice from behind the bench, sharing a quiet word of encouragement, or simply enjoying the excitement of a game, André treasured the opportunity to pass along his love of hockey to the next generation.

André understood that the true measure of a coach was not simply the number of games won, but the confidence inspired, the friendships formed, and the lessons carried forward long after the final whistle. For him, the rink was never just a place to play hockey; it was a place where memories were made, relationships grew, and generations came together.

Through the André Lacroix Foundation for Giving and his charitable involvement, he supports children with disabilities and young people facing difficult circumstances. His generosity was never limited to the ice, and he believed deeply in using his experiences and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.

He may have been known to the world as “The Magician,” but to generations of young hockey players, he was simply Coach.

Despite his remarkable achievements, André never lost his appreciation for life’s everyday joys. He was a man who found happiness in the little things and had a wonderful way of making ordinary moments feel special.

A familiar face on his daily walks through Chagrin Falls, Ohio, André rarely ventured out without a pocketful of dog treats. Neighborhood dogs and their owners knew him well, and he delighted in greeting every four-legged friend along the way. For many neighborhood dogs, André’s arrival was undoubtedly the highlight of their day.

He was equally generous with people. Whether speaking with an old friend, a former teammate, or someone he had just met, André had a genuine curiosity about others and an easy warmth that made conversations feel effortless. He had a gift for storytelling, a wonderful sense of humor, and an infectious enthusiasm for life.

A man of faith, he volunteered as an usher at St. Joan of Arc Church, where he valued the friendships and sense of community he found. An avid reader and regular library visitor, he loved discovering new books and sharing them with others. His curiosity never faded, and he remained a lifelong learner.

In 2020, André published his memoir, After the Second Snowfall, reflecting on his remarkable journey, his love of hockey, and the people and experiences that shaped his life.

Above all, André’s greatest pride and joy was his family.

For all the records he set and accolades he received, nothing brought André greater happiness than being a father and Grandpapa. To his children and grandchildren, his warmth, wisdom, humor, and unwavering love meant far more than any trophy or championship. Whether sharing stories, visiting family in North Carolina, or watching his grandchildren discover the game he loved, André treasured every moment together. His greatest legacy is the love he gave so freely and the memories he leaves behind.

He never forgot his roots in Lauzon, Québec. In 1984, his hometown honored him by naming the Aréna André-Lacroix in his honor. In 2019, the City of Lévis further recognized his contributions by naming him an Honorary Citizen. These honors meant a great deal to André, connecting his remarkable accomplishments to the community where his story began.

André is survived by his children, André Lacroix Jr. (Erika) and Chantal Lacroix Ayers; his grandchildren, André Lacroix, Dorothea Ayers, Anthony Lacroix, Beatrice Ayers, Luke Ayers, Alex Lacroix, and Adelaide Ayers; and his siblings, Bertha Méthot, Françoise Lemieux, and Fr. Jacques Lacroix.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Albea Lacroix; his siblings, Lorraine, Raymond, Hervé, Marcel, Pierrette, Monique, Colette, Maurice, Hélène, and Claude; and his grandson, Joseph Lacroix.

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Memorial Services

Ohio

Saturday, November 21, 2026

Memorial Mass — 2:30 p.m.

Our Lady Chapel at Gilmour Academy

2045 SOM Center Road

Gates Mills, Ohio 44040

Celebration of Life — Following the Memorial Mass

The Pond Ice Rink

9999 East Washington Street

Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023

Québec

Friday, November 27, 2026

Visitation — 2:00–5:00 p.m. and 7:00–10:00 p.m.

Groupe Garneau

1845 Boulevard Guillaume-Couture

Lévis, Québec

Saturday, November 28, 2026

Private Funeral Mass and Burial

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In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to The André Lacroix Foundation for Giving, continuing André’s legacy of generosity and his dedication to helping young people.

The André Lacroix Foundation for Giving

13520 Braeburn Lane

Novelty, Ohio 44072

Venmo: @Andrelacroixffgiving https://venmo.com/u/andrelacroixffgiving

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To the world, André Lacroix was a hockey legend. To those who loved him, he was something even greater.

The magic was never just in his hands or his hockey stick. It was in his heart.