Claude Lapointe (born October 11, 1968) is a Canadian former ice hockey player. In his career, Lapointe played for the Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, New York Islanders, and Philadelphia Flyers.
Early life
Lapointe grew up in the city of Lachine, Quebec. As a child all he did was play hockey. As a teenager his first job wasn't an average job. It was playing in the QMJHL. Players in this league got paid just like players in the NHL do, just not as much money. Other than this, Lapointe had no other occupations other than hockey.. He was offered a scholarship by the University of Michigan but he refused it.
Playing career
He was drafted by the Nordiques (now the Colorado Avalanche) in the 12th round of the 1988 NHL Draft, with the 234th overall pick. Lapointe spent most of his NHL career with the New York Islanders. He was there from the 1996–97 season to the 2002–03 season.
While with the New York Islanders, he received many honors such as many NYI Fan club MVP awards and three Bob Nystrom awards, which is awarded to the player who most exemplifies leadership, hustle, and dedication. He also received awards for reaching the 800 game mark, (over 1000 NHL games including reg. season, playoffs, and pre-season), over 100 goals. Other achievements include being named Assistant captain with the Islanders, ranking among the Top 3 in the NHL for face-off win percentage for 15 years consecutively - his entire NHL career. Similarly, Lapointe was among the league's elite in terms of physical conditioning. In 1999, he represented Canada at the IIHF World Hockey Championships in Norway, only to lose to Sweden in the bronze medal game.
Lapointe is a strategic player with great anticipation skills, incredible skating skills and played every shift with intensity. He had an in-your-face hockey style but was well-liked and well-respected by coaches, teammates, referees,and management around the league. During the 2002–03 season he was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers and in 2004, Lapointe retired from the NHL.
Personal life
Lapointe has 2 sons: Kirk (21) and Kody (20). He is currently engaged with a late 2011 wedding planned. Lapointe coaches and trains aspiring hockey players both on ice and off ice. His unique training and technical approach has raised eyebrows and gotten much notice from Junior and NHL GMs. Lapointe's ability to rapidly develop and hone talent far exceeds the norm - He consistently takes Midget BB kids and transforms them into high Midget Espoir and AAA draft choices in as little as 3 months with targeted on and off ice regimens. Lapointe credits his motivational approach and his attention to detail as the keys to successfully understanding what each player needs to keep them improving beyond what they think they are capable of achieving.
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