Like Father, Like Son: Peter Laviolette’s Kid Scores a Hockey Deal
Meet the ‘Mini Laviolette’ – The New York Rangers Coach’s Son Who’s Leaving His Mark on the Ice! From pint-sized skater to a rising star
In the wild world of sports, family ties often make headlines. We’ve seen kids follow in their parent’s footsteps in everything from tennis to football. However, hockey got a fresh dose of family drama when Peter Laviolette’s son, who goes by the same name, scored a professional tryout deal with the Hartford Wolf Pack.
The elder Laviolette is the bench boss for the New York Rangers. He has an impressive résumé, including when he led the Carolina Hurricanes to a Stanley Cup win in 2006.
Laviolette’s Son: Hockey Journey:
At 25, Peter JR, younger Laviolette, is dipping his toes into pro hockey. Last season, he debuted with the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers, scoring five goals and 11 points in 38 games. Before going pro, he tore it up in college at Plymouth State University, racking up 34 goals and 60 points in 97 games.
Now, the kids signed with the Hartford Wolf Pack, New York’s AHL affiliate, with an invite to training camp, which began on Sunday.
The story is intriguing because it’s a family affair. There’s the father, a big-time NHL coach, and the son, who’s making his way up the pro hockey ladder. Could this be a glimpse into the future, where the Laviolettes become the NHL’s first-ever coaching and playing father-son team? Who knows?
Young Peter Laviolette Jr. is gearing up to hit the ice with the Wolf Pack and has a chance to prove himself in the pro ranks.
He wasn’t the only one to join the pack on a PTO. Forwards, Luka Burzan, James Hardie, and Michal Mrazik; Defensemen Matthew Cairns, Chris Cameron, Billy Constantinou, Steven MacLean, Ryan McCleary, and Goaltender Brad Arvaniti also joined Hartford. Yet, let’s not forget the Rangers’ July free-agent haul. Alex Belzile, Riley Nash, Nikolas Brouillard, and Connor Mackey are flying in from Blueshirts camp.
Maybe we’ll soon see the Laviolettes sharing NHL coaching tips as Rangers employees over the family dinner table. If Peter Jr. does make the NHL someday, he won’t have to do much to eclipse his father’s playing days. Peter. SR only appeared in 12 NHL games, all with the Blueshirts in 1989. One thing’s for sure, though – it’s a story bound to have its share of great moments, adversity, and heartwarming goals.