André Lacroix (ice hockey)

André Lacroix (born June 12, 1945) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre. He is best known for his prolific scoring during his time in the World Hockey Association (WHA) in the 1970s.

Lacroix began his professional career in the National Hockey League (NHL), playing briefly for the Philadelphia Flyers and the Chicago Blackhawks. He also spent time in the minor leagues.

In 1972, he joined the WHA, where he became a star. He played for the Philadelphia Blazers, Vancouver Blazers, San Diego Mariners, and Houston Aeros during his WHA career. Lacroix was a consistent top scorer in the league and led the WHA in assists three times (1972-73, 1973-74, and 1974-75). He also won the Paul Deneau Trophy as the WHA's most valuable player in 1972-73.

After the WHA merged with the NHL in 1979, Lacroix returned to the NHL, playing for the Hartford Whalers. He retired from professional hockey after the 1979-80 season.

Lacroix was known for his exceptional playmaking abilities and his ability to generate offense. While never achieving the same level of fame in the NHL as he did in the WHA, he left a significant mark on professional hockey history, particularly within the context of the WHA's emergence and impact.