Jack LaFontaine Bio
Jack LaFontaine (born January 6, 1998) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. He currently plays for the Kansas City Mavericks of the ECHL while under contract to the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the American Hockey League (AHL). Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 209 pounds, LaFontaine was selected 75th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He has developed into a steady professional goaltender after a decorated collegiate career in the NCAA.
Early Life and Background
Jack LaFontaine was born on January 6, 1998, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Growing up in a region with deep hockey roots, he was introduced to the sport at a young age and worked his way through the competitive youth system in Ontario. His size and athleticism eventually helped him develop into a goaltending prospect, and he began attracting attention from junior and collegiate programs before he was old enough to drive.
After time in the Ontario development system, LaFontaine moved south of the border to pursue a higher level of competition. His progression through youth and prep hockey set the stage for his commitment to a top NCAA program, where he would eventually establish himself as one of the best goaltenders in college hockey.
Path to Hockey
LaFontaine began his collegiate career with the University of Michigan during the 2016–17 season. As a freshman, he appeared in 11 games, posting a 1–7–1 record with a 3.34 goals-against average (GAA) and a .911 save percentage. During his sophomore year, he again appeared in 11 games, finishing with a 4–4 record, a 3.51 GAA, and an .889 save percentage, serving primarily as a backup.
Looking for a new opportunity, LaFontaine transferred to the University of Minnesota on August 20, 2019. He made his Gophers debut on October 11, 2019, against Colorado College. In his first season in Minnesota, a campaign shortened by COVID-19, he went 9–9–6 with a 2.55 GAA and a .919 save percentage, showing steady improvement and earning a larger role heading into his senior year.
Jack LaFontaine Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Before settling in at Minnesota, LaFontaine spent the 2018–19 season with the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League. After signing with the Vees on June 18, 2018, he quickly became their starter, posting a 30–13–1 record with a 2.19 GAA and a .923 save percentage. His strong play was recognized across the league, and he was named the BCHL’s Top Goaltender at the end of the season.
NCAA Breakthrough (2019–2022)
LaFontaine’s senior season at Minnesota established him as one of the top goaltenders in college hockey. He led the nation with 21 wins and a .936 save percentage, while ranking second nationally with a 1.74 GAA among goalies who started at least half of their team’s games. He was also tied for second in the country with five shutouts and entered the NCAA tournament having allowed two goals or fewer in 26 of his last 21 starts dating back to the end of 2019–20.
That season, he set two Minnesota program records, finishing with a single-season .934 save percentage and a 1.79 GAA. His performance earned him a spot on the All-Big Ten First Team, the Big Ten Goaltender of the Year honor, and the Mike Richter Award as the top goaltender in NCAA Division I men’s hockey. On April 2, 2021, he announced he would return to Minnesota for a fifth year during the 2021–22 season.
Professional Career (2022–Present)
On January 9, 2022, LaFontaine signed a one-year entry-level contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. He appeared in two games with the Hurricanes before spending the rest of the season split between the AHL and ECHL. After the Hurricanes did not tender him a qualifying offer, he was released as a restricted free agent.
On July 25, 2022, LaFontaine signed a one-year AHL contract with the Syracuse Crunch, the primary affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning. During the 2022–23 season, he was suspended six games after leaving the players’ bench during an altercation and attempting to fight Rochester Americans goaltender Malcolm Subban at the end of the third period. As a free agent at the end of the season, he signed a one-year AHL contract with the Coachella Valley Firebirds on August 23, 2023.
Kansas City Mavericks Era (2025–Present)
LaFontaine continued his tenure within the Firebirds organization and agreed to a one-year contract extension for the 2025–26 season on July 22, 2025. While under contract to the Firebirds, he has been assigned to the Kansas City Mavericks of the ECHL, where he continues to compete at the professional level.
Playing Style and Strengths
LaFontaine is a tall, athletic goaltender who uses his 6-foot-3 frame to cover the upper portion of the net. His college numbers reflect strong positioning, composure under pressure, and the ability to steal games during long stretches. He has shown a willingness to stand up for teammates, as seen in his physical confrontation with Malcolm Subban during his time in Syracuse.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of his career, LaFontaine’s senior season at Minnesota stands out, when he led the nation in wins and save percentage and set two program records. He was also the 75th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft and has now played professionally in both the NHL and AHL after climbing through the NCAA ranks.
Jack LaFontaine Career Wins
Jack LaFontaine has built his résumé on strong performances at every level he has played. From junior hockey with the Penticton Vees to a record-setting senior year at Minnesota, and into the professional ranks, he has been recognized as one of the top goaltenders in each stop along the way.
NCAA Highlights
In his senior season with the Minnesota Gophers, LaFontaine went 21–6–0, the highest win total in the country that year. He was named Big Ten Goaltender of the Year and won the Mike Richter Award as the top goaltender in NCAA Division I men’s hockey.
Other Wins and Performances
During the 2018–19 season with the Penticton Vees, LaFontaine posted a 30–13–1 record and was named the BCHL’s Top Goaltender. He also recorded 21 wins across his earlier collegiate seasons at Michigan and Minnesota, with his combined college totals reflecting his growth into an elite goaltending prospect.
Jack LaFontaine Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Jack LaFontaine’s family is limited, and details about his parents and any relatives in professional hockey are not widely documented.
Personal Life
LaFontaine is a Canadian who grew up in Mississauga, Ontario. He has kept much of his personal life private, and no public information is available about a spouse or children.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025–26 season, LaFontaine agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Coachella Valley Firebirds on July 22, 2025, keeping him within the Seattle Kraken organization. He is expected to compete for playing time in the AHL while also seeing action with the Kansas City Mavericks of the ECHL.
After a year spent adjusting to the professional game with the Firebirds, LaFontaine will look to build on his development and push for a more permanent role at the AHL level. His track record of strong save percentages and team success at the NCAA level gives him a solid foundation to work from.
With another season of professional experience under his belt, LaFontaine’s outlook centers on consistency, opportunity, and continuing to develop within a stable goaltending pipeline. His combination of size, competitive temperament, and proven college pedigree should help him make the most of his 2025–26 campaign.