The Colorado Avalanche fans received some bad news today when TVA’s Renaud Lavoie announced that former longtime Avalanche president and general manager Pierre Lacroix passed away at the age of 72.
The Avalanche released a statement:
It is with great sadness that the Colorado Avalanche organization has learned of the passing of Pierre Lacroix. Pierre was the architect of the Avalanche’s two Stanley Cup championships, which included the city of Denver’s first major sports championship in 1996. Pierre was instrumental in not only the team’s on-ice success but also building the Avalanche brand into what it is today. His legacy reaches far beyond the NHL level and his impact can be felt throughout all of youth hockey in the Rocky Mountain region. Our thoughts are with the Lacroix family during this difficult time, his wife, Colombe, his sons Martin and Eric, and his three grandchildren.
Lacroix was the master builder of two Stanley Cup Champion teams in both 1996 and 2001. He was known as a GM who was only focused on winning during his tenure. He might be best known for his big-time deals before both Stanley Cup championships, including trading for goaltender Patrick Roy during the 1995-96 season and then acquiring Ray Bourque during 1999-2000 and Rob Blake in 2000-01.
The GM was actually named general manager of the Quebec Nordiques in 1994 and traveled with the team on its move to Denver the following year. Lacroix eventually stepped down from his general manager role in 2006 and stayed on as president of the team until 2013 before taking on an advisory role with the team.
Everyone at PHR wishes the best to the family and friends of Lacroix and all who he touched during his life.
My sincere condolences to the Lacroix family on your loss. May he rest in peace.
Terrible, too young to be leaving us. Pierre did a masterful job transitioning from Quebec to Colorado and building a winning organization.
Thought and prayers to the Lacroix family
Built some great teams. All the best to his family.
Wow. What a great GM he was – big respect. Smart, bold, successful.
I want to express my sincere condolences to the Lacroix family , friends ,former teammates and those he played against in his career, and the Colorado Avalanche organization and staff that he was over in his time as President and General Manager , they don’t make GM’s as Mr. Lacroix like him. Rest in Peace Pierre you will be missed by all , and the NHL.