Georges Laraque
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The Montreal Canadiens hockey team got a fighter when they traded for Georges Laraque in July 2008. That year, Sports Illustrated named Laraque the games best enforcer: his job is to protect his teammates while roughing up the opposition. Off the ice he fights for animal rights; the 6-foot-3 athlete became a vegan in 2009,after seeing the film Earthlings.
Q What motivates you to be an activist?
A Animals cannot defend themselvespeople have to do it for them. Thats why I wanted to do protests [with PETA]. Animals are dying every single day. Its my duty to educate people.
Q How do you reconcile your image as a tough hockey player with your caring side?
A I want people to know the real me, and while fighting on the ice is my job, its not who I am as a person. I try to help as many people as I can. I dont only look out for the welfare of animals; I also do charity work on the behalf of kids, like Play It Smart [a community outreach program with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania]. The impact you have on kids when youre an athlete is unreal.
Q Has your switch to a vegan diet affected your athletic performance?
A Ive never felt better in my life. Im less tired; my body has more energy. Its unbelievable! When you become a vegan, you learn to put the right stuff in your body.