On June 8, 1983, the Detroit Red Wings changed their history when they drafted Steve Yzerman at No. 4. But the guy they coveted was Pat LaFontaine. In celebration of the 40-year anniversary, here is an excerpt that explains why the Wings wanted LaFontaine from "On the Clock: Behind the Scenes with the Detroit Red Wings at the NHL Draft" by Helene St. James. The book is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Triumph Books. Personalized copies available via her e-mail.
Pat LaFontaine grew up in a nine-room home on the shores of Williams Lake in Waterford Township, about 30 miles north of Detroit.