of children suffering from heart disease in third world countries. In March 2004, LaFontaine was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Detroit. In March 2005, he was named recipient of the James Keller Award by The Christophers organization. Since 1987, the Award has recognized individuals who have contributed in a meaningful way to the well-being of young people. In 2007, LaFontaine was inducted into the Nassau County Sports Hall of Fame. The Heisman Trophy Trust recognized LaFontaine with their Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2008. The hockey star joked that he never played football, and he never even went to college. But the Trust recognized him as an exemplary selfless individual, who gives of himself to improve the plight of those less fortunate or afflicted. In November 2008, Pat participated in his sixth career Ironman Triathlon event in Panama City, Florida. He swam 2.4 miles, rode a bike 112 miles and then ran a 26-mile marathon as a fundraiser for his charity. In March 2012, LaFontaine coached his son and a group of teenagers from Long Island, to the U-16 National Championship in Buffalo, New York. The Long Island Royals became just the second youth hockey team from Long Island to ever win a national championship. Their exploits were followed throughout the season by the NHL.com series, "Making of a Royal". LaFontaine was recognized with a national Jefferson Award at a ceremony in Washington D.C. in June 2012. The Jefferson Awards (www.jeffersonawards.org) are a prestigious national recognition honoring community service in America. He was recognized for his work with the Companions in Courage Foundation. The 40th Annual Jefferson National Ceremony took place at Constitution Hall in Washington DC. Additional 2012 winners included General David Petraeus, musicians Harry Connick, Jr. and Branford Marsalis, former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly and Indy race driver Charlie Kimball. LaFontaine was invited to the Vatican and participated in Sport at the Service of Humanity: The First Global Conference on Faith & Sport as a guest of Pope Francis in October 2016. Back to the NHL On June 7, 2006, the Islanders announced that Pat LaFontaine would return to the Islanders as Senior Advisor to the Owner. This was short-lived, however, as LaFontaine resigned in protest only six weeks later on July 18, the same day that Neil Smith was fired by the Islanders. In March 2006, Pat LaFontaine's