Georges Laraque

Keynote Speaker | Montreal, Quebec

Community Champion & Role Model
Inspiring Youth Through Sports | Charity and Advocacy

Georges Laraque Expertise HR & Corporate Culture, Change Management, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Disability, Racial Justice, Unconscious Bias, Personal Growth, Resilience & Adversity and Happiness & Positivity.

Georges Laraque

About Georges Laraque

Georges Laraque as the first black hockey player from French Canada to play in the National Hockey League, Georges Laraque had to fight for his place in the game. His story of determination, love of the game, and perseverance in the face of racism, will inspire any audience. Georges Laraque’s passion and charisma shine through his presentations and show how the most challenging situations can be used as motivation to succeed.

Georges Laraque Videos

EXCLUSIVE: A one-on-one with former Montreal Canadiens George Laraque

Georges Laraque on Strombo: Full Interview

2013 Conference: Georges Laraque Keynote Speech

Georges Laraque Interviews & Podcasts

GEORGES LARAQUE BIOGRAPHY

Georges Laraque was the first black hockey player from French Canada to play in the National Hockey League (NHL).

An eleven-year veteran of the NHL, in 2010 he became the Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada. Georges was born on in Montreal, Quebec and he grew up in Tracy, a small community outside Montreal. Georges Laraque began skating when he was five years old and grew up idolizing Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky, but it was Jackie Robinson’s story that gave him the courage to face the challenges of being a minority in an almost all-white world of hockey.

While playing minor hockey as a child, Georges Laraque was continually besieged with racist remarks from both players and spectators. Although his parents begged him to give up the game because the environment was so hostile, Georges Laraque refused to quit. “I loved hockey so much,” he told the National Hockey League Web site. “I couldn’t quit even though the kids would say the N-word and tell me this wasn’t my sport so I couldn’t play. It wasn’t right so I used it as motivation. I kept playing to show them they were wrong. In my mind, if I had quit, that would have proved they were right.” Finally, when Georges Laraque was fourteen, his father moved the family into the more racially diverse city of Montreal, which became a turning point for Georges Laraque’s game. First, he found a more open and accepting environment in which to play, and second, he began to mature into one of the biggest players on the ice. Growing to six-foot, three-inches and 230 pounds, Georges Laraque was drafted into the NHL in 1995, and quickly formed his reputation as the league’s new enforcer. In 2008, he was named the number one enforcer by

Finally, when he was fourteen, his father moved the family into the more racially diverse city of Montreal, which became a turning point for Georges Laraque’s game. First, he found a more open and accepting environment in which to play, and second, he began to mature into one of the biggest players on the ice. Growing to 6′ 3″ and 230 pounds, Georges Laraque was drafted into the NHL in 1995, and quickly formed his reputation as the league’s new enforcer. In 2008, he was named the number one enforcer by Sports Illustrated. Over his career Georges Laraque played for the Edmonton Oilers, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens. Off of the ice he is known for his outgoing and friendly personality. Committed and passionate about a number of causes, including animal welfare, relief effort in Haiti, sports, supporting youth, and promoting active, healthy lifestyles, he continues to be involved with numerous charities and hopes to serve as a positive role model to young people.

Over his career Georges Laraque played for the Edmonton Oilers, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens. Off of the ice he is known for his outgoing and friendly personality. Committed and passionate about a number of causes, including animal welfare, relief effort in Haiti, sports, supporting youth, and promoting active, healthy lifestyles, he continues to be involved with numerous charities and hopes to serve as a positive role model to young people.

 

Georges Laraque Topic Presentations

Georges Laraque Montreal, Quebec, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

The Story of the Nhl's Unlikeliest Tough Guy

Georges Laraque Books & Articles

Montreal Canadiens: Georges Laraque Reveals His Top Five Tough Guys
Montreal Canadiens: Georges Laraque Reveals His

During Thursday night’s installment of The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro, he and his guest, former Montreal Canadiens tough guy and...

Former Hab Georges Laraque's Laval Card Store Broken Into, Thief Caught on Camera
Former Hab Georges Laraque's Laval Card Store

Former Montreal Canadiens enforcer George Laraque is looking for answers after his card store in Laval was robbed, and the thieves were...

‘smashed and Robbed’: Former Nhl Enforcer Posts Video of His Collectables Store Getting Broken into
‘smashed and Robbed’: Former Nhl Enforcer

A sports shop owned by ex-Montreal Canadiens enforcer Georges Laraque was robbed overnight Thursday, and he is asking anyone who might...

Georges Laraque Has Been Teaching Michael Pezzetta How to Fight
Georges Laraque Has Been Teaching Michael

Former Montreal Canadiens tough-guy Georges Laraque has been teaching current Hab Michael Pezzetta how to improve his fighting skills....

Georges Laraque Speaking Testimonials

Coming Soon!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Georges Laraque known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Georges Laraque is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Georges Laraque speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Georges Laraque delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if Georges Laraque is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Georges Laraque is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Georges Laraque from and where do they speak across Canada?

Georges Laraque is from Montreal, Quebec and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Georges Laraque available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Georges Laraque is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Georges Laraque deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Georges Laraque may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Georges Laraque to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Georges Laraque is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Georges Laraque for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Georges Laraque is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Georges Laraque as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Georges Laraque keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Georges Laraque for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Georges Laraque may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Georges Laraque for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Georges Laraque should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Georges Laraque represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Georges Laraque is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More