It’s only April, and the NHL community already has had a lot to deal with. But it seems like the train of woes isn’t stopping any time soon. Instead, fate has more tragic news planned for the fans, and the latest blow to the guts has come in the form of the passing of yet another legend of the game.
Mark “Trees” LaForest, an iconic goalie who played for Toronto, Ottawa, Philadelphia, and Detroit, left the mortal world on Monday. The Welland native played 103 games and made a name for himself thanks to his incredible skills as a netminder. His stats, including the feat of wearing 17 pro sweaters over 15 NHL, AHL, IHL, and minor-league seasons, underscore LaForest’s exceptional talent on the ice.
The official Toronto Maple Leafs’ X account posted on April 1, sharing their grief over losing the former goalie. “We are saddened to learn that former Leafs goalie Mark Laforest (affectionately known as “Trees”) has passed away,” reads the caption of the post that has the fans mourning.
Naturally, NHL fans are left heartbroken by the passing of the 62-year-old. With that, many members of the community also stepped up with their memories of LaForest, which also highlighted his character beyond the skating rink. “He was always so incredibly nice; stopping for photos and quick conversations during stoppages. Thank you for everything Trees, rest in peace,” wrote a fan who was fortunate enough to catch Mark in action in alumni games for the Maple Leafs.
We are saddened to learn that former Leafs goalie Mark Laforest (affectionately known as “Trees”) has passed away.
Mark appeared in 27 games for the Maple Leafs during the 1989-90 season and after his retirement, appeared at many NHL alumni events. pic.twitter.com/nPWTi3vn3D
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) April 1, 2025
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