In a significant moment for the New York Islanders franchise, Pat LaFontaine has been inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of fellow alumni Bryan Trottier and Derek Flatley. This latest honor not only recognizes LaFontaine’s impressive contributions to the team but also reinforces the lasting bond formed among these players during their early careers.
Flatley expressed his excitement over LaFontaine’s induction, labeling it both “well-deserved” and “overdue.” Reflecting on their shared experiences as rookies in the 1983-84 season, Flatley emphasized the importance of camaraderie during their formative NHL years. “We’re just reminiscing over joining the Islanders together and how valuable it was to have someone of your own peer group sharing the same moments,” he said. “So, we’re very fortunate.”
Both LaFontaine and Flatley made their NHL debuts simultaneously, stepping onto the ice for their first game against the Winnipeg Jets on February 29, 1984. As they took this monumental step in their careers, the duo leaned heavily on each other during what could have been a daunting experience. Flatley recounted the mixture of nerves and excitement they felt leading up to the game, noting that they had shared a bond as roommates during their initial foray into professional hockey.
The significance of their rookie season was further influenced by the seasoned Islanders veterans, who provided invaluable lessons, albeit with a certain amount of tough love. Flatley humorously recalled an incident during practice where he inadvertently challenged veteran defenseman Denis Potvin. After hitting Potvin, Flatley found himself on the receiving end of a swift lesson in the unwritten rules of respect among teammates. “I hit Denis Potvin in practice once, and he surgically put his stick right into my mouth after that,” he said with a laugh. This incident was a memorable moment that brought both Flatley and LaFontaine closer together as they navigated the challenges of their new environment.
The induction of LaFontaine into the Islanders Hall of Fame thus not only celebrates his individual talent and achievements but also serves as a reminder of the brotherhood and shared history that players like him and Flatley have nurtured over the decades.
