The University of North Dakota men’s hockey program announced on May 22 that Hall of Famer Guy LaFrance has died earlier this week at the age of 88.
LaFrance played three seasons for North Dakota from 1957 to 1960, recording exactly one point per game with a total of 93 points in as many games. He scored 33 goals and provided 60 assists, also serving as team captain and earning All-WCHA Second Team honors in the 1959-60 season.
Originally from Fort Frances, Ontario, LaFrance was a member of two notable teams in North Dakota’s history. He helped lead the Fighting Sioux to their first national tournament appearance in the 1957-58 season and played a key role in securing the program’s first NCAA National Championship during the following year. During that championship run, he scored an overtime goal against St. Lawrence in the semifinals and assisted on Reg Morelli’s overtime goal that clinched the title against Michigan State.
After his college career, LaFrance continued playing professional hockey in Minnesota and Austria before working as a scout for several years. His contributions were recognized when he was inducted into the UND Letterwinners Athletics Hall of Fame individually in 1997; his championship-winning team from 1958-59 was inducted in 2002. The team from the historic 1957-58 season is scheduled for induction as part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
For further information about North Dakota hockey or updates regarding commemorations for LaFrance, fans are encouraged to follow @UNDmhockey on social media or visit FightingHawks.com.
