A common phrase kids hear while playing sports is that only less than one percent will ever get a chance to play that sport professionally, and that the path to the finish line is better compared to a marathon than a sprint.  However, if you were to ask Chicago Wolves goaltender Jack LaFontaine about his 2021-22 season thus far, he may lean more towards a sprint. New to the professional atmosphere following a successful college career, LaFontaine has quickly learned how to adapt to the day-to-day life of playing professional hockey in both the NHL and American Hockey League (AHL).

LaFontaine, 22, was born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.  After a strong minor hockey career including two impressive seasons of Junior (posting a combined 44-14-7 record), LaFontaine chose to take the NCAA route and committed to the University of Michigan. While there were several schools interested in the goaltender, this decision was one that came easy to him.

“The University of Michigan is such a hard school to pass on. From hockey to academics, it was a perfect fit for me, and with it being close to home, I was excited to get started once I committed. It was and continues to be a prestigious Big-10 program,” said LaFontaine.

After two years in Michigan though, LaFontaine left the program in hopes of finding an opportunity for more playing time to hone and showcase his skills.  He had only played a combined 22 games during his first two seasons.  This journey led him to the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), one of the top junior hockey leagues in North America. In only one season, LaFontaine shined, finishing with a 2.13 GAA and .923 SV% while posting 30 regular season wins. The opportunity to prove himself as a star goaltender was something that he will always cherish.

“With it being a numbers game, myself and the coaching staff at Michigan decided that it was best for my development to go get more starts and see where my ability is at. It was a great opportunity to refine my game and my confidence while the experience was unbelievable. Living in British Columbia, even away from the ice, was beautiful.”

Eager to continue his career, LaFontaine re-entered the NCAA, this time with the University of Minnesota at the behest of his fellow high school teammate Mat Robson.  LaFontaine was ready to follow in his footsteps as one of the NCAA’s top goalies.

“Minnesota is a huge school, with great academics and a great coaching staff, which made it an easy decision for me. Mat definitely did a good job recruiting me to the program.  He spoke so 

highly of them and with us being close friends it was a no-brainer to join after he turned professional.”

LaFontaine’s performance skyrocketed during his second season with Minnesota, posting a 1.79 GAA and .934 SV% in 29 games which earned him the Mike Richter Award, presented to the NCAA Division 1’s Top Goaltender. He was also a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s top player. While the award ultimately went to Montreal Canadiens breakout star, Cole Caufield, the nomination was an honor to the goaltender.

“Each day I try and push myself to be the best goalie in the NCAA.  With college hockey being so competitive, there’s so many talented goalies across the country. I give a lot of credit for the season I had towards the team I had in front of me. I think the most important award for me was the Big-10 Championship.  Seeing all the hard work we put in throughout the season come to fruition was a testament to the talent we had on that team. So many players from that team have turned professional, which is great to see”

Fast forward to the 2021-22 season, in the midst of another strong campaign where LaFontaine was named team captain and with the team enjoying tremendous success, ranking inside the top-25 nation-wide. On a cold January day in Minnesota, LaFontaine received a phone call that would change his life.  The Carolina Hurricanes, the team that drafted him 75^th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, was looking to sign him to an NHL contract and report to Carolina immediately, as COVID-19 had decimated their roster, most notably the goaltenders.  LaFontaine remembers how fast it all happened.

“The next 24 hours were such a whirlwind. When you get a call like that for an immediate NHL opportunity, it’s pretty hard to pass up. It was obviously unexpected, almost a blur, when my agent called with the news. With the Hurricanes organization having such a strong year, both in the NHL and in the AHL with the Chicago Wolves, it felt like a great chance to take that crucial next step in my career.”

A part of LaFontaine felt horrible for leaving his team and school halfway through the season. However, the decision was made easier by the influx of support he received from his teammates and coaching staff. As LaFontaine puts it, the team is in great hands going forward.

“I had the chance to sit down with everyone individually and it was really nice that everyone understood. The seemed genuinely happy for me.  Looking at them now and having won their regular season, I couldn’t be happier for them. My partner this past year, Justin Kloos, has been phenomenal for them taking on the workload and leading that team. He is such a good guy, and it is great to see another Canadian take over.”

Although LaFontaine’s NCAA career was now over, his professional career was just beginning. This rapid turnaround was somewhat unprecedented, as most NCAA players are not signed until their respective college season is over. On January 22^nd, LaFontaine made his first NHL start against the New Jersey Devils.  While a 7-4 loss may not have been the result that he had hoped for, the experience itself will remain with him forever and serve as a steppingstone moving forward.

“That game encapsulated everything that I worked so hard for ever since I was a kid. It was the moment we all dream of. It put everything into perspective when I think back to all of my teammates growing up who also dreamed of playing their first NHL game. The result wasn’t what I wanted, but that doesn’t mean that I won’t be successful anytime soon. I think the hardest part was getting scored on by Michael McLeod, who I’ve known since high school. He won’t let me forget that one.”

After a few weeks with the Hurricanes where he did see action in another NHL game, LaFontaine was assigned to the Chicago Wolves once their NHL goaltenders were healthy enough to return. Now a member of the Wolves, LaFontaine has had a chance to settle into the daily life of being a professional athlete. What made the transition easier was the support and advice from his Wolves’ teammates.

“We have a really good group of guys here in Chicago, which makes all the difference for me. Some of the veteran guys have been great at teaching me how to be a professional athlete and adjusting to this level.  I couldn’t be more grateful.”

While LaFontaine continues to adjust to new teammates, coaches, and system, he cannot forget about life away from the ice. Learning about the business side of being an AHL player is vital to his personal development.  As LaFontaine explains, Wolves’ Player Representative for the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) C.J. Smith has been crucial in bringing him up to speed on the benefits and programs offered through the PHPA, the union that represents AHL and ECHL players. 

“I think what the PHPA offers its players is amazing. It is such a great support system all around whether it involves your benefits, insurance, marketing programs, and many more, there is so much that we as players are offered. Coming right out of college and having everything at your disposal just makes life so much easier and helps you sleep easier at night. Hearing how the PHPA works towards this for us is so refreshing to see.”

While the past few months have been a roller coaster ride for LaFontaine, he describes it as an unforgettable experience and something he would not change. Now settling in with the Chicago Wolves, LaFontaine looks forward to his promising professional career, including working towards a Calder Cup Championship to cap off his unbelievable season.