Big Week For Red Wings Lalonde

Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde would certainly be classified as a student of the game. Now, he’s looking to give students with game a chance to further their athletic opportunities.

To that end, Lalonde is spearheading a scholarship fund. The Lalonde Family Initiative is set up as a vehicle to foster the tradition of scholastic athletics and service to community within the region of northern New York, known by the local community as ‘The North Country.’

It’s the area of the state where he grew up and where Lalonde’s children also got their education. Thus, he has established this scholarship fund to benefit students at St. Lawrence Central high school in Brasher Falls, New York, the school that his children and in total 10 family members attended.

“The Lalonde children were seen as leaders in scholastic athletics at St. Lawrence Central, and future generations of the Lalonde family have continued this tradition of athletic engagement and leadership,” Lalonde told NorthCountyNow.com.

One of the main objectives of the Lalonde Family Initiative is to encourage kids to participate in school sports. Beginning with the 2023-24 academic and athletic school year, a pair of $10,000 scholarships and one $20,000 scholarship will be awarded annually.

Congrats to NHL coach, Derek Lalonde, on the launch of the Lalonde Family Initiative! 👏https://t.co/rdJrT2bJV2

— NHL Coaches’ Association (@NHLCoachesAssoc) May 16, 2024

“The Lalonde Family believes sports create a connection between individuals, education and the community,” Lalonde said in a statement. “For students at St. Lawrence Central, there exists a unique connection between teacher, coach, student athlete and the community.

“This network of support for the student athlete creates a model for forming well-rounded adults that feel confident remaining engaged in community and service.”

Exciting Moment For Son Of Red Wings Lalonde

The presenting of the inaugural Lalonde Family Initiative scholarships wasn’t the only key moment on the Lalonde famiy agenda in the past week. Derek’s son Luke Lalonde was a 16th-round selection, 237th overall, of the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL draft.

Our 16th round draft pick comes from the Motor City, help us welcome Luke Lalonde#SCMusketeers | #USHL | #SiouxCity pic.twitter.com/fWJ4BWI4up

— Sioux City Musketeers (@Musketeerhockey) May 7, 2024

The younger Lalonde, 16, spent the past season playing high school hockey for the Homestead Highlanders in Mequon, Wisconsin.

Derek Lalonde spent three seasons in the USHL coaching the Green Bay Gamblers. He would lead the club to the Clark Cup title in 2011-12.