After the Second Snowfall: My Life On and Off the Ice

by André LaCroix

A thoughtful and transparent memoir, After the Second Snowfall explains how André Lacroix was a rebel in a rebel league by negotiating his own contracts (he never made a bad deal) and why he played for so many teams and only traded once. You will be privy to both the behind the scenes action (and drama) of 1970s hockey and travel with André through life beyond the game. Considered by many to be the greatest player in the short history of the WHA, and arguably one of the top players in the game, André Lacroix never received the accolades that were showered upon his NHL contemporaries. Even though he did make his presence known as one of the original members of the Philadelphia Flyers, he was largely ignored by the NHL. The all-time leading scorer in the WHA, Lacroix also bested many of his elite contemporaries in assists and is only one of four players in pro hockey to have more than 100 in one season. Who were the other three? Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux, and Wayne Gretzky. Even before his time in the pros, André was tops in stats for the OHL leading it with a PPG of 2.64.Still, there is more behind the man than superb playmaking and stick handling skills. The popular player used his celebrity to bolster charitable organizations and eventually create his own foundation for those with special needs.

147 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2020

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is “the second snowfall” and why is the period after it significant? In a Youtube video, former professional hockey player André Lacroix explains that winter truly didn’t come to Quebec until the second snowfall. This meant that the ponds would freeze, and the nightly Canadian (and northern US) routine of post-school skating and hockey until called inside could commence!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Mr. Lacroix’s memories of his professional hockey career in “After the Second Snowfall: My Life On and Off the Ice”. He reflects (apparently without a ghost writer) a team-first attitude, in that his proudest accomplishments involve team achievements and assists – that is, providing the set-up so that a teammate can put the puck into the net for a goal.

Andre Lacroix played for a few NHL teams during his career, and several WHA teams. However, his first trade in the NHL – from Philadelphia to Chicago – was also his LAST trade. The other moves were all due to being granted free agent status because his team either relocated or folded. Much of the book, however, deals with the intervals before he started playing professional hockey, and what his life was like after his playing career was over.

Rather than repeat stories that are documented in the book, let me simply suggest that you pick up a copy of this well written, entertaining book and read them for yourselves directly from the guy who lived them.

RATING: 5 stars.

[Kathryn McKendry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who loves hockey or anyone who has ever met Andre will find this a wonderful read!

[Howie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent career recap of one of the stars of the WHA. an enjoyable read.

[Boni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll confess to carrying a little bias, as Andre Lacroix ran the league and sometimes even refereed some of our games in Oakland; and I remember him as such a NICE guy who always remembered my name (and likely everyone else's) amongst hundreds of players. So this recounting of his life experiences intertwined with wonderful anecdotes throughout the different teams he played on or coached is a compelling read that I couldn't put down. Still a humble guy, he talks passingly about his amazing accomplishments that make me hark back to those halcyon days in Winnipeg and the step-child World Hockey Association. Awesome must-read for hockey fans... Congratulations, C'etait magnifique, Andre!