Sportsman and Owner. He was a co-founder and general manager of the Quebec Nordiques of the World Hockey Association. He was known as the "Father of the Nordiques" which operated from 1972 to 1979. Prior to the start of the 1972 season the Nordiques had begun operations as the San Francisco Sharks before being acquired by Fortier. His 1976-77 team captured the WHA championship, under head coach Marc Boileau. Following the demise of the World Hockey Association, the Nordiques were acquired by the National Hockey League for the 1979-80 season as an expansion franchise, ultimately becoming the Colorado Avalanche. In addition to the Nordiques, he was also the owner and founder of the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Junior Hockey League. Fortier died following a brief illness in Quebec, Canada at the age of 79.
Sportsman and Owner. He was a co-founder and general manager of the Quebec Nordiques of the World Hockey Association. He was known as the "Father of the Nordiques" which operated from 1972 to 1979. Prior to the start of the 1972 season the Nordiques had begun operations as the San Francisco Sharks before being acquired by Fortier. His 1976-77 team captured the WHA championship, under head coach Marc Boileau. Following the demise of the World Hockey Association, the Nordiques were acquired by the National Hockey League for the 1979-80 season as an expansion franchise, ultimately becoming the Colorado Avalanche. In addition to the Nordiques, he was also the owner and founder of the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Junior Hockey League. Fortier died following a brief illness in Quebec, Canada at the age of 79.
Bio by: Nils M. Solsvik Jr.
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