PHOTO: Jack Murray
PENTICTON, BC. – Former Vees and University of Minnesota netminder Jack LaFontaine is up for some serious hardware this college hockey season and was announced as one of ten finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, handed out annually to the best collegiate hockey player.
LaFontaine has been one of the best goaltenders to man the crease in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) this season, leading the University of Minnesota to 21 wins in his 27 appearances. The Mississauga, Ontario native has compiled a 1.74 goals against average and a .936 save percentage in those 27 contests with 5 shutouts in his senior season with the Golden Gophers, wearing an ‘A’ on his jersey as well.
The 6’2”, 205-pound goaltender has accumulated numerous accolades throughout his final season of college hockey, including being named a finalist for the Mike Richter Award, given the college hockey’s top goaltender, while also being named a nominee for the Senior CLASS Award.
LaFontaine recently helped Minnesota earn a Big Ten Championship while being named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player as well as making the All-Tournament team. Another slew of awards were added to the mantle of LaFontaine in the way of being named the Big Ten’s Best Goaltender as well as a First Team All-Star.
LaFontaine played a key part in his season in Penticton during the 2018/19 campaign, winning 30 games with a 2.19 GAA and a .923 save percentage with 3 shutouts as well in 45 games played.
The final three candidates, titled the “Hobey Baker Hat Trick”, will be released on Thursday, April 1st. The award winner will be named on Friday, April 9th.
