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George Laraque

George Laraque is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and public figure from Montreal, Quebec.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

George Laraque is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and public figure from Montreal, Quebec. He played in the National Hockey League as a right winger and enforcer for the Edmonton Oilers, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Montreal Canadiens, and later worked in politics and media.

Early life and junior hockey

Laraque was born in Montreal, Quebec, and is of Haitian descent. He began his hockey career in Quebec junior hockey, entering the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Saint-Jean Lynx before being drafted into the NHL.

NHL career

Laraque was selected 31st overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. He became known as one of the NHL's prominent enforcers, playing for four teams: Edmonton, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, and Montreal. He was widely recognized for his physical style of play.

Later career and retirement

After leaving the NHL, Laraque came out of retirement briefly in 2015 to play two games for Lokomotiv Fana in Norway. He then retired again.

Public life

Following his playing career, Laraque became active in politics and media. Sources identify him as a politician, author, and radio host, including service as deputy leader of the Green Party of Canada.

Key facts

  • Laraque was born in Montreal and is of Haitian descent.
  • He was drafted 31st overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft.
  • He played parts of 12 NHL seasons and was known primarily as an enforcer.
  • He played for Edmonton, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, and Montreal during his NHL career.
  • He later became involved in politics and media, including serving with the Green Party of Canada.
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Canadian context

Laraque is a Montreal-born Canadian athlete who played for two Canadian NHL teams, the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens, and later became active in Canadian politics and public life.

Frequently asked questions

Who is George Laraque?
George Laraque is a Canadian former NHL player, politician, author, and radio host from Montreal, Quebec.
Which NHL teams did he play for?
He played for the Edmonton Oilers, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Montreal Canadiens.
What position did he play?
He played as a right winger and was best known as an enforcer.
When was he drafted into the NHL?
He was drafted 31st overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 1995.
Did he play after leaving the NHL?
Yes. He briefly returned in 2015 to play two games for Lokomotiv Fana in Norway before retiring again.
Is he involved in politics?
Yes. Sources identify him as having served as deputy leader of the Green Party of Canada.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_Laraque
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, NHL draft position, NHL teams, later career and retirement details.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/stats/_/id/515/georges-laraque
    Supports: Birthplace, position, draft information, and NHL team history.
  3. Georges Laraque — https://georgeslaraque.com/gl-career
    Supports: Career overview, minor hockey, NHL team history, games played, and post-NHL international stint.
  4. Hockey-Reference — https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/laraqge01.html
    Supports: Career statistics, teams, games played, goals, and retirement timing.
  5. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_Laraque
    Supports: NHL teams, enforcer role, and Green Party of Canada deputy leader role.