Octave "Tab" Larocque

Octave Larocque was a son of Hyacinth Larocque and his wife the former Madeline St. Louis. He was born in Williamstown, March 3rd, 1891. Although christened Octave he was affectionately known throughout his life as Tab Larocque.

Tab Larocque was educated in Williamstown, where he began his star-studded athletic career. As a young lad he taught himself the basics of goaltending in hockey and developed his skills by playing on the Black River ice – sometimes weeks in advance of the local rink.

Tab’s goaltending ability, demonstrated by playing with Williamstown championship teams prior to World War One, drew the attention of professional scouts from Montreal in particular. Those overtures for money and fame were always turned aside in favour of his beloved Williamstown. Tab Larocque did play hockey for six seasons in Alexandria, and was one of the major reasons Alexandria won the Lower Ottawa championship only to be eliminated by Hull in the Allan Cup playoffs.

Tab Larocque was equally at home in the lacrosse nets. After serving overseas with the 15th Battalion in World War One, Tab resumed active play and was also an outstanding competitor in post war field days. In track and field Tab Larocque won several gold, silver and bronze medals and in that early 1920s shared the track and field spot light with his fellow Williamstown luminary Wellie Barrett.

Tab Larocque spent the sunset of his life with the same boyhood sentiments he always held of his birthplace. Tab Larocque died April 8th, 1965.