Southern Maine Athletics

Jean-Paul Lavoie, 1978- Jean-Paul Lavoie was a standout hockey goalie at Lewiston High School before bringing his skills to Southern Maine. An All-Maine and All-New England player in high school, he added two All-NAIA selections to his list of credits while with the Huskies. “He was a heady player,” says longtime friend Rick Vail. “He always knew where he was when he was in a game which is very important at that position. “J.P. wasn’t prone to beating himself. If they beat him they beat him, but it wasn’t because of J.P.’s mistake.” The Huskies produced winning records in each of Lavoie’s four seasons at USM, during the early years of Husky hockey. In front of the nets he played a key leadership role and was well respected by both his teammates and the opposition. Lavoie, who received his degree in history in 1978, has done his part to stay with the game as a youth hockey coach. For the past four years the South Portland resident has coached in the Casco Bay Youth Hockey Association.