Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs star goalie Julien Laplante has made his decision and will be attending Union College after accepting a scholarship to play goal and study in upper New York State next fall.
Laplante, who has played for the Pontiacs the past three seasons, has been steadily improving his game, eventually rounding himself into one of the top goalies in the AJHL this season.
Laplante had another incredible weekend for the Pontiacs, posting back-to-back 1-0 shutouts over Spruce Grove and Grand Prairie on home ice. The win over Spruce Grove was huge for the Pontiacs and Laplante as the Saints are the top-ranked Junior A hockey club in Canada.
He now leads the league in shutouts with nine and is third in the league in goals against average (2.01).
The decision came about two weeks ago, after multiple post-secondary institutions had scouted Laplante. But he decided Union would be the best fit for his hockey career and an education.
“Union showed the most interest,” explained Laplante. “It's really exciting. (Union's) coach is really good and they are a team on an upswing. They should be contenders in that league for years.”
With strong goaltending already on Union's roster, Laplante admits it was a tough decision to make.
“It was a bit of a gamble,” said Laplante. “They have a guy that will probably sign in the NHL next year. If he signs, then I have a legitimate opportunity to play a lot next year.”
Laplante is confident he could come in as a freshman and provide solid goaltending night in and night out.
He acknowledges there will be competition for a starting spot, whether or not the other goaltender signs in the NHL.
“There will be competition wherever you go,” he said. “It can be good for your game, but it can also be very bad if you don't rise above it.”
For Laplante, he feels he can overcome almost any obstacle in hockey after being coached by Pontiacs head coach Chad Mercier for three seasons.
“I'm very fortunate to have played in Bonnyville. Chad (Mercier) is one of the biggest influences I've had in hockey,” Laplante explains.
“When I got here it wasn't easy. I didn't have the right attitude or practice habits. Chad could see the talent, but he knew he had to change my attitude a bit. He put a lot of time and work into my mental game. He really helped my career out and I'm glad he did.”
The feelings are mutual, as Mercier feels Laplante has worked really hard to get to where he is today. The coach is looking forward to seeing continued success from his current starting goaltender beyond college.
“Our job as coaches is to help the players understand the commitment level it takes to be successful at all levels.”
“We butted heads lots early,” said Mercier. “But give Julien credit because he responded and learned from it and is being rewarded for that.”
Besides the hockey aspect of Union College, Laplante said he is also looking forward to the social aspect.
“The social scene should be fun,” he said.
But, he added, “It's a top school academically, with high standards. So, “academically, we'll see how it goes,” he said with a chuckle.
“Coming out of there with a great degree is very important.”
According to Laplante a degree from a top school will allow him to pursue hockey 100 per cent, as he will have something to fall back on or turn to after his time in competitive hockey is done.
Finishing with a bang
With the nice distraction of having to choose between Division I schools over and done with, Laplante said his sole focus has now become the playoffs, which are fast approaching.
“I want to go out with a bang,” he said. “And hopefully we can bring this town its first championship.”
Laplante credits his teammates and their effort and sacrifice in front of him for giving the team a legitimate chance at a championship and making him look good in net on a very consistent basis this season.
“I wouldn't be where I am today without the work our team does, the sacrifices they make.”
With tight-nit, hard-working players and a star goaltender, the Pontiacs are poised to make an extended playoff run.
“We can beat anyone in the league, we know that,” said Laplante.
“We don't think anyone can beat us four out of seven games. We're pretty confident it's our year.”
