The Journey So Far...

[SlapshotWrangler 864]

SASKATOON - Jacques Lafontaine has enjoyed his time in Saskatoon. "Saskatoon is a great city. The fans are great, the people are great, everything is great. I'm enjoying being here so far and I'm glad that I am able to play a part in this great city." The young goaltender has had a good start here, leading the Victory Hockey League Minors with wins, with 19. The nearest goalies (since there is a three-way tie for second), are 7 wins back. He has also only had 1 loss. "I owe a lot to my teammates. They are great every game and are a big defensive presence. Sure, I make saves but they are always dominant and always show up. I'm lucky I am able to play with great players." 

 

While a stacked Saskatoon Wild roster is playing in front of him, it's no doubt that Lafontaine is a solid goaltender. Alongside leading with wins, he is tied in the league for first when it comes to the best Goals Against Average (though, the other first place goaltender has only played 3 games compared to Jacques' 20,) with a GAA of 2.0. Jacques is also among the top 3 for Save Percentage, with a solid percentage of 0.889. The Wild have also had a 17-game win streak and are first place in the standings. It's no doubt that the Wild are definitely a strong team. 

 

"We have a lot of guys who play so well. I would name them all but it's basically our whole roster. These guys go out night after night and score. They're doing their job so I do mine." He has done his job for sure. Despite the fact that he is one of the few Season 70 goalies this year while the rest of the goalies in the league are Season 69 goalies or even older, he has proven himself to be one of the best in the Minors.

 

"Yeah, I'll admit it, I'm doing really well," Jacques said in a post-game interview. "But it's still the regular season. I have to keep getting better and playing hard. We aren't even at the playoffs yet. So for now, all I can do is keep improving." 

 

Jacques is getting better at skating but one of the most notable parts of his play is his Reaction Time. Sure, his reaction time might not bail him out all of the time but it is really good. His hand speed is also a big factor in his game. The goaltender has been working on Rebound Control. "I find that whenever a goal is scored, it is either off a faceoff or a rebound. That's why I've been working on my skating and rebound control a lot. It might not be terrible but it is a way I can get even better."

 

No matter what he feels like he has to improve, it's no doubt that he was proven himself to be a strong goalie so far in the beginning of his VHL(M) career. We'll see if he and the Wild players can keep it up. Maybe they'll make it all the way and win the championship.

 

Only time will tell.

[zepheter 590]

looking forward to the MCK - SSK series. We play a bunch midway through the season. Should be close games- I hope.