28 Eric Lacroix
1996-1997 Second Season
Starter Mesh. Set 1. Hem tagging 56R-1LS7.
This jersey shows great overall wear. There are numerous black marks, scuffing, damage, and general filth throughout the sleeves and body. Both sleeves have a number of repairs in the elbow areas, as well as a few random small slices and unrepaired snags. The fight strap shows some fraying. This jersey has been through the hands of a couple of collectors prior to me acquiring it, and the original collector obtained an autograph next to the rear numbers, which has now been removed. The size tag is sewn into the hem, as is the case with all 96-97 jerseys. The neck tag displays a smudged "1" written in marker, designating a set 1 jersey. The jersey is accompanied by the Avalanche LOA, which was also autographed.
[ click on individual thumbnails to see larger images ]
Neck tagging
Size tag
Wash tag
Hem tag
Nameplate
Sleeve numbers
Sleeve numbers
Body marks
Eric Lacroix has been an industrious left-winger since making his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1993-94. He earned respect throughout the league for his tenacious work in the corners and his unselfish commitment to defensive hockey.
The Montreal native was selected 136th overall by Toronto after playing a year with the Dummer Prep school in 1989-90. He then accepted a scholarship to St. Lawrence University where he played for two years. Lacroix was a solid competitor on the AHL's St. John's Maple Leafs for two years and impressed the Toronto brass during a two-game playoff stint in 1994. A few months later, Cliff Fletcher raised a few eyebrows by including the industrious forward in a multi-player trade with the L.A. Kings that involved mostly minor leaguers.
Lacroix emerged as a solid grinder on the Kings over the next two years and was sought as a role player by the powerful Colorado Avalanche. The defending Stanley Cup champions thought enough of Lacroix that they gave up goalie Stephane Fiset in return. Lacroix scored 34 goals during his two years in Denver, played solid defense and causing traffic in front of the net on the power play.
In 1998-99, the rugged forward played with the Avalanche, Kings, and Rangers in a very tiring year. He perfomed a checking role for a year and a half for the Blueshirts before he was acquired by the Ottawa Senators at the March deadline in 2001.
Left wing - Shoots left
Born: July 15, 1971 - Montreal, Quebec
6-2, 210 lbs.
Toronto's sixth choice, 136th overall in 1990 Entry Draft. Traded to Los Angeles by Toronto with Chris Snell and Toronto's 4th round choice (Eric Belanger) in 1996 Entry Draft for Dixon Ward, Guy Leveque, Kelly Fairchild and Shayne Toporowski, October 3, 1994. Traded to Colorado by Los Angeles with Los Angeles' 1st round choice (Martin Skoula) in 1998 Entry Draft for Stephane Fiset and Colorado's 1st round choice (Mathieu Biron) in 1998 Entry Draft, June 20, 1996. Traded to Los Angeles by Colorado for Roman Vopat and Los Angeles' 6th round choice (later traded to Ottawa - Ottawa selected Martin Prusek) in 1999 Entry Draft, October 29, 1998. Traded to NY Rangers by Los Angeles for Sean Pronger, February 12, 1999. Traded to Ottawa by NY Rangers for Colin Forbes, March 1, 2001.
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