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Jack LaFontaine nominated for CJHL Goaltender of the Year

Photo: Jack Murray

Penticton, BC: The Penticton Vees are proud to announce Jack LaFontaine has been nominated for the CJHL’s Goaltender of the Year award.

LaFontaine, from Mississauga, Ontario, played his 20-year-old season with the Vees after returning from the NCAA ranks and two years at the University of Michigan.

The third-round draft choice of the Carolina Hurricanes enjoyed a stellar 2018-19 season, ranking second in wins (30), second in save percentage (.923) and second in goals against average (2.19) amongst BCHL goaltenders.

His numbers were even better in the playoffs as he lowered his GAA to 2.04 and bumped his save percentage up to .924 as the Vees fell in the opening round to the Cowichan Valley Capitals.

LaFontaine took his game to another level in the second half of the season, winning 12 of his final 17 starts and not allowing more than three goals against in a single game after December 8. He capped off the run by shutting out the Salmon Arm Silverbacks on the final day of the regular season, clinching the Interior Divsion pennant for the Vees along with the 500th career win for Fred Harbinson.

LaFontaine was voted as the top goaltender in the BCHL by the league’s coaches and named a First-Team All Star, as voted by the leagues broadcasters.

He will continue his hockey career at the University of Minnesota next season, taking the reigns from Vees alum Mat Robson who signed with the Minnesota Wild.

He joins James Miller (Top Defenceman) as Vees players up for CJHL year-end awards.