Michel "Bunny" Larocque — Canadian NHL goaltender

Playing career

Larocque came to prominence in the 1970s as a dependable team goaltender. He earned the nickname "Bunny" and was widely regarded for his steadiness in net, calm presence on the bench and ability to step into high-pressure games. While he often served in a backup role to established starters, he also logged significant minutes as a starting netminder during stretches when teams faced injuries or heavy schedules.

• Montreal Canadiens: part of the club's depth during an era of repeated championship runs; contributed in regular season and playoff support roles. Montreal Canadiens
• Toronto Maple Leafs: assumed larger workload at times and brought veteran experience to the crease. Toronto Maple Leafs
• Philadelphia Flyers and St. Louis Blues: later stops that extended his NHL tenure and showcased his adaptability. Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues (see organization info)

Style and role

Larocque was known for a pragmatic, positionally sound approach rather than flash. He read plays well, managed rebounds conservatively and communicated with his defense to limit odd-man chances. Such attributes made him a valued backup on teams that competed for championships, where reliability in limited appearances is especially important.

Legacy and later life

Although he never became a perennial star, Larocque's career illustrates the importance of depth goaltending in professional hockey. He played through the 1970s and into the 1980s, contributing to several strong clubs and earning respect from teammates and opponents alike. Larocque died in 1992 at age 40; he is remembered for his role in a notable era of Canadiens history and for a solid NHL career that spanned multiple franchises.

1. Full name and nickname: Michel "Bunny" Larocque.
2. Position: goaltender in the NHL.
3. Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues.
4. Reputation: reliable backup and occasional starter during the 1970s–1980s.

For further reading on the teams and league context in which Larocque played, see overview pages for the Canadiens, the Maple Leafs, and historical summaries of the NHL.