Lalonde assisted the Ferris State Bulldogs in winning the CCHA conference for the first time in 2003 while serving as an assistant coach for the team from 2002 to 2006.

I had a great time while I was here. I gained knowledge in two areas: first, proper interpersonal behavior. Lalonde addressed the group, saying, “I witnessed what it’s about and how to actually care about someone.” “How to win here is the second thing I’ve learned here. I have never before won anything like this.”

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Stepan Pokorny, Nick Hale, Jason Brancheau, and Brenden MacLaren were named the captains by Lalonde. Brenden MacLaren, a senior, will don the captain’s patch for the following year. Prior to Ferris, Stepan Pokorny had already met Lalonde while going through the hiring process.

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“He was a major reason I came here during my recruitment process; he was informing me about the curriculum and attempting to explain what this program was about.” stated Pokorny.

Lalonde was contacted by head coach Bob Daniels to surprise the group, and as the Red Wings concluded their training camp in Traverse City, the schedules aligned. Lalonde, one of many illustrious graduates of Daniel’s coaching tree, said it was a privilege to return and speak with the team.

He remarked, “They have culture here.” Here, a culture has been developed over many years. When they hire someone, it’s the ideal candidate who fits this identity perfectly. I believe that guys will remember their time spent here. That, in my opinion, says a lot about why their alumni network is so robust and fervent.”

Lalonde also mentioned how he still makes an effort to stay in touch with the group.

“You’d be shocked, more than you think; I have two kids who play minor league hockey now,” Lalonde remarked. The ironic thing about Ferris State is that, at the time, I wasn’t the family’s finest coach. Back in the day, my wife was the soccer coach here. We are therefore native to Ferris State.”

Daniels announced the captains for the second time under the current Red Wings head coach. The squad captains were revealed via Zoom a few years ago by Jeff Blashill, the head coach at the time and a former assistant at Ferris State.

Daniels remarked, “We’re incredibly fortunate to have so many of our former alumni remaining interested in hockey.” Trevor Large spoke to our team during our game at Canisius, and Seth Appert plays for the Rochester Americans in the AHL. The fact that they’re all eager to do it is just fantastic.”

The Ferris State hockey team plays its home opener versus Miami (OH) on October 7 at 7 p.m.