Jack Laviolette

Jean-Baptiste "Jack" Laviolette (1879–1960) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who spent nine seasons with the Montreal Canadiens. Born in Belleville, Ontario, and raised in Valleyfield, Quebec, he was among the first francophone stars of the game. A defenseman and solid scorer, Laviolette's lasting significance lies in his organizational role: when the National Hockey Association formed in December 1909, owner Ambrose O'Brien tasked him with assembling a roster of French Canadian players for the new Montreal franchise. Laviolette served as the Canadiens' first player, captain, coach, and general manager, recruiting future Hall of Famers Newsy Lalonde and Didier Pitre for that inaugural 1910 season.