Goaltender Jack Lafontaine Recalled to Coachella Valley Firebirds, Kucharski Signed to Mavericks

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Kansas City Mavericks

Goaltender Jack Lafontaine Recalled to Coachella Valley Firebirds, Kucharski Signed to Mavericks

November 8, 2024 - ECHL (ECHL)
Kansas City Mavericks News Release


Independence, MO - The Kansas City Mavericks announce that goaltender Jack LaFontaine has been recalled by the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the American Hockey League. LaFontaine, 26, has brought strong leadership and a steady presence to the Mavericks' crease during the 2024-25 season, building on his impressive performance last year with Kansas City.

The 6'3", 209-pound netminder from Mississauga, Ontario, made his return to the Mavericks this season with high expectations, following a notable 2023-24 campaign. Across 23 games with Kansas City, LaFontaine posted a 2.77 goals-against average (GAA) and a .911 save percentage (SV%), taking a big step with his play in the playoffs, posting a .938 SV%. Known for his size, agility, and calm demeaner, LaFontaine quickly established himself as a fan favorite, and a reliable last line of defense.

Drafted 75th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2016, LaFontaine has a broad resume, with experience in the NHL, AHL, and ECHL. His career reached new heights during his time at the University of Minnesota, where he received the prestigious Mike Richter Award as the nation's top goaltender. LaFontaine's performance with the Golden Gophers earned him an opportunity of a lifetime. He was able to suit up in the NHL with the Carolina Hurricanes.

This season, LaFontaine's performance has been pivotal to the Mavericks' strong start. His presence in net and experience have made him a leader on and off the ice. This season, LaFontaine was voted on as part of the Mavericks Leadership Team. While his presence will be missed in Kansas City, the Mavericks organization is proud to see LaFontaine advancing his career with the Firebirds and looks forward to his continued success.

In response to LaFontaine's recall, the Mavericks have signed 6'4" goaltender Jacob Kucharski. The 25-year-old from Erie, Pennsylvania, brings both AHL and ECHL experience, having played last season with the Reading Royals and the Chicago Wolves. Kucharski, a 2018 Carolina Hurricanes draft pick, also had a standout NCAA career, earning NCAA (AHA) Goaltender of the Year honors in 2021-22 with a 2.38 GAA and a .910 SV% at American International College.

"We are really excited to bring Jake on board," said Mavericks Goaltending Coach Rob Couturier. "He was with us for training camp and really impressed. A big, athletic goalie, drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2018. He excelled at the NCAA D1 level with AIC and Nebraska-Omaha and has since played in both the AHL and ECHL."

The Mavericks look to building on the season's early success and look to push momentum forward as they prepare for two more road series games against the Rapid City Rush starting tonight, Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9.

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