Gamblers Name Derek Lalonde as Head Coach

Press Release

The Green Bay Gamblers have introduced Derek Lalonde as the teams new Head Coach and General Manager. He becomes the sixth head coach in the history of the club.

Lalonde has vast experience coaching at the collegiate level, including the past five seasons at the University of Denver, one of the nation's top programs. The Denver Pioneers compiled a 25-12-5 record during the 2010-11 season and earned their fourth consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament with a roster that included 12 USHL alumni. During his time at Denver, the Pioneers earned a 122-63-19 record.

"I couldn't be more excited to be coming to the Green Bay Gamblers," said Lalonde. "It's an awesome opportunity to have my first head coaching job with a great organization like the Gamblers."

Ironically, Lalonde's final game with Denver was played during the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional at the Resch Center in Green Bay, which will now be his new headquarters with the Gamblers.

"Derek is a guy who is accustomed to winning and being part of a team that everyone wants to beat," said Gamblers President Brendan Bruss. "His style of hockey fits the Gamblers' style and his player recruitment background is second to none."

Lalonde has been involved in multiple coaching aspects during his career, including developing goaltenders. Former Denver goaltender Peter Mannino set the school's all-time shutout mark at 15 after collecting six shutouts during his senior season in 2007-08. Mannino played in the USHL for the Tri-City Storm (2003-04) and is currently playing professionally, which has included five appearances in NHL games.

Prior to coaching at Denver, Lalonde spent four seasons on the coaching staff at Ferris State University and helped the school to a 76-67-12 record over that time. The Bulldogs also captured their first CCHA Championship during a record-setting 31-10-1 season in 2002-03.

Lalonde also had coaching stints as assistant coach with Hamilton College (2000-02) and Lebanon Valley College (1998-2000). He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant with Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts from 1995-98 and earned a master's degree in education administration.

As a player, Lalonde had a four-year collegiate career as a goaltender at SUNY Cortland State University. He was named team MVP during his senior season and set four goaltending records during his time at the school. He graduated with a degree in education.

Lalonde was recognized by his high school in September 2008 when he was inducted into the St. Lawrence Central Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a hockey, football, and baseball player. He was the youngest person ever to earn that honor.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)