Lalonde ready to lead Hounds against Spits
by Peter Ruicci (Independent Media) | Photo by Bob Davies
When you’ve stood on your head for 60 minutes, the whole world looks upside down to you.
But that’s the kind of view Nolan Lalonde wouldn’t mind at all as he gets ready for the OHL playoffs.
The overage netminder would like nothing more than to help lead the Soo Greyhounds to a first-round upset of the Windsor Spitfires.
“I’m excited. It’s a special feeling knowing you’ve helped the guys and were able to contribute,” said Lalonde, whose club is set to visit the Spits for the first two games in the best-of-seven series, Thursday and Saturday (both 7:05 p.m. starts) at WFCU Centre.
The Kingston, Ont., native enjoyed that ‘special feeling’ a season ago as a member of the Memorial Cup champion Saginaw Spirit.
In the Western Conference semifinals against the Greyhounds, Saginaw starter Andrew Oke was injured midway through the second period of Game 2. Lalonde came on and was a standout the rest of the way, as the Spirit won the series in seven hard-fought games.
Asked what it felt like to step in and play a major role in a series victory, the six-foot-two, 195-pounder spoke of how it didn’t hit him until later.
“Afterwards, when you realize you had an impact, it’s special,” said Lalonde, who went on to explain how that’s especially true on a close-knit club like the 2023-24 Spirit.
He compared the camaraderie on that team to what he feels as a member of the 2024-25 Greyhounds.
“Helping the guys and contributing is a special feeling,” he added.
Head coach John Dean, whose club takes a five-game winning streak into postseason play, spoke of the importance of Lalonde’s experience.
“Nolan has been through this before,” Dean said as he looked back at last year’s playoffs. “He had a ton of pressure in the second round last year and we got to witness his performance firsthand. He’s experienced and he knows what to expect going up against Windsor.”
Hounds rookie defenceman Hunter Solomon, chosen the team’s most-improved player, called Lalonde “an amazing goalie. He’s great in everything he does.”
Asked to use just one word to describe Lalonde, acquired from Kingston along with three draft choices for Charlie Schenkel at the trade deadline, Dean took his time.
He eventually came up with the word “determined.”
“I’m excited about this series,” said the signed Columbus Blue Jackets prospect, who played in 15 games for the Soo, posting a 3.36 goals against average and a saves percentage of .893. “I’ve always enjoyed being the underdog, so that’s something that fuels me. I can’t wait for it to start. I wish Game 1 was right now, to be honest with you.”
The second-seeded Spitfires (45-17-4-2) finished the regular season 34 points ahead of the seventh-seeded Greyhounds (29-35-2-2).
When asked, Lalonde said little changes for him in the playoffs. He’s focused on doing what is typical of regular season preparation: Stay calm and stay composed.
“I try to settle in and not worry about who we’re playing,” he said. “I want to keep the guys calm and do whatever I can to help us win.”
Solomon said the Soo goalie has the ability to help the Hounds overcome miscues.
“Having him out there and just knowing he’s there, as a defenceman, relieves stress,” said the Guelph, Ont., native. “He can help you out if something goes wrong or you make a mistake. He’s always there to back you up.”
As they looked ahead to facing the Spitfires, one of the OHL’s elite offensive teams, Lalonde and goaltending coach Mark Visentin broke down the tendencies of those who form their opposition’s forward group.
One of the most-important aspects of that work, the veteran netminder said, is determining where the Spits like to shoot from. Knowing what Windsor tries to do offensively helps Lalonde when it comes to reading the play.
Beyond that he just tries to “control what I can control. I want to go in with a clear mind and a quiet confidence.”
And competing for the Greyhounds, Lalonde says, is special.
“Every night I get to put that jersey on is a huge source of pride for me. I love getting to play with this group and with that logo on my chest.”
While the veteran goalie obviously needs to play well for the Hounds to have a chance, Dean talked about how team defence is more important than any one individual player. Limiting Windsor’s speed through the neutral zone, the coach noted, is of the utmost importance.
Asked about some of the other keys to pulling an upset, the coach spoke of intangibles, specifically compete level, work ethic, attention to detail and discipline.
Dean has embraced the underdog role, repeating again how Windsor is expected to win.
“We’d be fools to assume we’re not the underdogs,” the coach said. “But we’re approaching the series with a ton of confidence.”
“Our whole team has come together,” Solomon added. “We’ve been playing a lot better and that will carry into the playoffs.”
Meantime, Games 3-4 in the series are set for Monday and Wednesday at GFL Memorial Gardens. Start time for both is 7:07 p.m. A fifth game, if needed, is a week from Friday in Windsor.
If the series goes six, the Hounds will be at home for an Apr. 6 tilt, a rare 7:07 p.m. Sunday clash.
Game 7, if necessary, is scheduled for Apr. 8 in Windsor.
