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Hometown goalie enjoying successful season

Michael Lalande is one of a group of talented Skyhawks that are home grown. Photo by Chris Dawson.


Michael Lalande is one of a group of talented Skyhawks that are home grown. Photo by Chris Dawson.

January 16, 2005 versus Northern Michigan Black Bears, North Bay Skyhawks Mike Lalande joined small group of goaltenders to accomplish a feat more rare than a perfect game thrown from the pitchers mound.

Lalande’s goal forever put his name beside some of the National Hockey Leagues best goalies to reach the score sheet by recording a goal. With two empty netters recorded in 1987, and 89 Ron Hextall heads the class of NHL goalies to pot a goal.

“A lot of things went through my head when the puck hit the back of the net, more disbelieve than anything. The whole team skated over to me, so we decided to celebrate a little,” said Lalande with smile.

"I kept the puck and it’s now safe in my parent’s home.”

The 6’2” 215 lbs Lalande can also grab bragging rights for his stealer play between the pipes. That has helped his hometown Skyhawks hold first spot in the Northern Ontario Hockey League, for most of the year.

With a .924 save percentage, 4 shutouts, and a sparking 2.00 goals against average, Lalande leads the league in most goaltender statistics.

“Playing in front of your hometown is definitely a momentum booster for me,” said Lalande.

“The comfort of sleeping in your own bed every night and
having family and friends at every home game makes it easier for me to want to perform well.”

Although the Sarnia Sting draft pick hasn’t been able to stay put in Ontario Hockey League. Lalande can credit some of his successful season to his brief visit with the Sting.

“Just knowing they were still interested in me did a lot for my confidence,” said Lalande.

“I played a couple games in London in front of 10,000 people, so that was a great experience. The quality of shooters in the OHL is great and being able to practice with a player like Dan Fritsche who played nineteen games in the NHL last year and represented the Americans in the World Juniors helps out a lot.”

When not supporting the Blue and white jersey. The 1986 born baby concentrates on his studies at Nipissing University and enjoys working out to stay at the top of his game.

“School is number one right now and always has been,” said Lalande.

“I would love to play at a higher level if I had the opportunity, but I will see where I am at and make that decision.”

With playoffs only weeks away Lalande looks to put the icing on the cake to his bittersweet season with a League Championship, and perhaps a victory at the Dudley-Hewitt Cup.