August 2--Rick Lapointe

Rick Lapointe

Selected by Detroit Red Wings round 1 #5 overall 1975 NHL Amateur Draft
Selected by Toronto Toros round 1 #11 overall 1975 WHA Amateur Draft

Rick Lapointe was a mobile defenceman with a good shot from the point who could also play an abrasive style in his own zone. The scouts were impressed with the youngster's playmaking ability and willingness to play aggressively in his own zone.

Lapointe was solid during his first two years with the mediocre Wings. After a trade to the Philadelphia Flyers in February 1977, he settled into a more defensive role and put up excellent plus/minus numbers. Prior to the 1979-80 season, Lapointe was dealt to the St. Louis Blues for Blake Dunlop. He solidified the club's blueline but was traded to the Quebec Nordiques for veteran forward Pat Hickey in August 1982.
The veteran spent more of his time with the Nord's AHL farm team. In 1983-84, he was a standout on the Fredericton Express and named to the league's first all-star team. Lapointe was a veteran role player on the L.A. Kings for two seasons before retiring in 1986.

CAREER NHL STATISTICS Years Teams GP G A TP PIM 1975-1985 DET, PHI, STL, QUE, LA 664 44 176 220 831

CAREER NHL PLAYOFF STATISTICS Years Teams GP G A TP PIM 1977-1984 Phila., St. Louis, Quebec 46 2 7 9 64

Received these blue ink signed cards TTM.

Also included signed business card.



Return envelope dated 1987 with short note from

"My friend" Rick LaPointe.

I had previously sent a letter to Hockey Ministries International

http://www.hockeyministries.org/

and Jean Pronovost said he would forward my request to Rick. I think I noticed he was connected to HMI and asked if they could provide his address. They did the next best thing and forwarded for me.