With the graduation of senior goaltenders Eric Schierhorn / Brock Kautz and Mat Robson signing with the Wild, the Gophers are in search of a goaltender.
Luckily for Gophers fans, the 2019 class is a strong one. The Gophers welcome in two NHL draft pick goaltenders in Jack LaFontaine (will be a Junior with one final year of eligibility after next season) and Jared Moe, currently having a strong season in the USHL.
First, Carolina Hurricanes Draft Pick Jack LaFontaine
LaFontaine, who was the 76th overall pick in the 2016 NHL entry draft, played last season with the Penticton Vees of the BCHL. Prior to to playing this season with the Vees, LaFontaine actually played 22 games over two seasons at the University of Michigan.
Why did Jack LaFontaine transfer out of Michigan?
LaFontaine may have transferred for a number of reasons, though playing time was likely first on that list. Having already been drafted, development is hard when you’re not in the starting role. LaFontaine sat behind Hayden Lavigne, who ultimately ended up ceding his starting role to Strauss Mann.
How was Lafontaine able to transfer?
This is a common question we get asked and the reason for this is easy. Whenever an athlete enrolls in a University and takes classes, he or she starts a 5 year clock. Whenever a transfer happens, the athlete sits out a year. Well, in order to continue developing, goalies often time return to various junior leagues throughout North America.
LaFontaine did exactly that and after posting solid numbers in the BCHL, Canada’s top Junior A league, he will be a front runner for the starting job with the Gophers in 2019.
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Second, Jets Draft Pick and Minnesota Native Jared Moe
Jared Moe currently plays for the Waterloo Black Hawks of the USHL.
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Third, SJHL Goaltender Justen Close
Close, a goaltender in the SJHL committed to the Gophers in February of 2019.
