Muskegon Lumberjacks Head Coach John LaFontaine is Ready for the Challenge

I've been there to see it all.  The Muskegon Lumberjacks are a staple in the community and no matter the league, the standings or the players...we've still got hockey!  Our storied history has seen changes that's for sure, but the only constant in life is change.  We're now seeing the highest level of development hockey, and as we were assured when the USHL came to town...we're seeing some faces pop up in D1 College as well as the NHL.  It's pretty safe to say the road to the NHL begins in Muskegon.

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As the players come to town to learn and grow, it's been the mission of the teams owners to make sure the next generation of pro's are taught well, are surrounded by opportunity and as they travel far from home to work on their skills, they have good families who welcome them in to be part of their family while they are here.  What better place?  Can you imagine being brought to a town with so much to offer?  Great people, scenic beauty, awesome schools and a chance to say that you had an opportunity to be a part of Muskegon Hockey and all the legendary names who've skated on out ice!

With that....you need a person in place to make sure that the time they have here is well spent and making the best players there can be.  John LaFontaine was named the new Head Coach of the Jacks in the off season and let me tell you....if there's a guy who "gets" Muskegon... it's John.

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As he grew up playing...he saw that "The Big Show" might have been a little out of his reach, but...the bumps in the road didn't stop hi.  Factory jobs...blue collar toughness and waiting for the right chance became part of the day to day but the dream and passion is hard to get rid of in a hockey player.



When you love something...you do what you have to till your chance comes.  John learned a lot in this factories but the desire to teach was stronger.

A fairly shore resume of towns John has coached in has brought him to Muskegon finally and now, it's our chance to watch a very humble and hard working guy pass on the tradition.  Take a listen to our interview below to learn a little more.

The team is there, our incredible hockey history has taken a turn to the future of hockey.  We've gained attention across the world as an incubator for hockey superstars and the LC Walker arena continues to write chapter after chapter in the bible of hockey.  For me...it's the 5th ownership and somewhere in the ball park of 15 years give or take.  It's hard to imagine life without the hockey team in Muskegon.  I know this though...I won't quit believing in the game, or the many great people I have met through it.  Come on down to the arena!  We'll see you soon I hope.  Many thanks to the coach for taking a few minutes out of his day to say hi to everyone here on Positively Muskegon.

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