André Pronovost (born April 23, 1935) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey forward. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 1950s and early 1960s, most notably with the Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins and Chicago Black Hawks. Pronovost was known for his speed and two‑way play as a left winger.
Early life and junior career
Pronovost was born in Shawinigan, Quebec, Canada. He began his hockey development in the Quebec junior leagues, playing for local clubs such as the Shawinigan Canadiens before moving to higher levels of competition.
Professional career
| Season | Team (League) | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955–56 | Detroit Red Wings (NHL) | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1956–57 | Detroit Red Wings (NHL) | 45 | 8 | 8 | 16 |
| 1957–58 | Detroit Red Wings (NHL) | 57 | 11 | 11 | 22 |
| 1958–59 | Boston Bruins (NHL) | 31 | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| 1959–60 | Chicago Black Hawks (NHL) | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1960–64 | Various minor‑league clubs (AHL, WHL) | — | — | — | — |
After his NHL tenure, Pronovost continued to play in the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he contributed to several successful campaigns, including a Calder Cup championship with the Hershey Bears in 1961.
Playing style
Pronovust was a left‑handed shooter noted for his quick skating and defensive responsibility. While never a high scorer at the NHL level, he provided depth scoring and reliable forward play.
Post‑playing career
Following retirement from professional hockey in the mid‑1960s, Pronovost returned to Quebec, where he remained involved in the sport through coaching at the junior level and participating in alumni events for former NHL players.
Personal life
Pronovost is the older brother of former NHL forward Marcel Pronovost, a Hockey Hall of Fame inductee. The Pronovost family is recognized for its contributions to Canadian ice hockey.
Legacy
André Pronovost is remembered as a solid role player during the Original Six era of the NHL, contributing to the depth of the teams on which he played and representing the strong tradition of Quebec‑born players in professional hockey.
