« Hockey 2020-21

Jack LaFontaine

School
University of Minnesota
Position
Goaltender
Major
English

Classroom

LaFontaine helped Minnesota set a new program record with a 3.35 cumulative grade point average as a team in the Fall of 2020, while the men’s hockey team recorded a grade point average of 3.46. This was second in program history after last spring’s 3.64.

Character

An alternate captain as a senior, LaFontaine also received votes as a junior in his first year with the team, before ever playing a game at Minnesota.

He was nominated for both the Hobey Baker Award and Mike Richter Award this season, after earned a second chance to play college hockey. LaFontaine transferred from Michigan and played in the BCHL during 2018-19 season before returning to the Big Ten with the Gophers.

Community

LaFontaine participates in Gopher Hockey’s annual Teddy Bear toss to benefit Masonic Children’s Hospital, as well as Minnesota’s pen pal program with young fans, the annual Skate with the Gophers program, and the Rink Roots program.

Competition

He is among the national leaders in virtually all goaltending statistics this season—wins, save percentage, goals against average, and shutouts.

LaFontaine, a third round selection by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2016 NHL Draft, earned National Goaltender of the Month in November