BY SCOTT HADDOW
When Belleville Bulls goalie Kevin Lalande steps onto the ice at the Sudbury Arena on Sunday night for Game three of the Eastern Conference Championship against the Sudbury Wolves, a large roar from the crowd will erupt.
The noise will not be generated by the rabid Wolves fan base. It will emerge from a group of about 15 to 30 people decked out in Lalande jerseys who are will be cheering non-stop for the talented netminder.
Lalande's family all hail from a small farming community known as Verner, which is about 45 minutes East of Sudbury.
Lalande's entire family unit comes from the area. His parents grew up there, but moved away before he was born.
Yet, his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all still call Verner home.
Every time Lalande plays in Sudbury, the family dons their Lalande memorabilia and drive into the Nickel City to cheer their favourite relative on.
"It means everything to me to have my family come out and cheer me on," said the 20-year-old goalie. "Sudbury isn't an easy barn to play in at all, so it's nice to have people supporting me no matter what happens. They really care about the sport and my success…they always have. I don't ever forget it either. It's a huge boost for me to play in front of my family in Sudbury."
Lalande was born in Kingston, and now calls Ottawa his hometown. He really likes the fact his mother, Ginette, grew up on a cattle farm and sees it fitting he plays for a team called the Bulls.
"My grandfather has cattle and I think they have a couple of bulls…well, one for sure," said Lalande with a sly smile. "On my mom's side, they're what people would call farmers. They're just great people. It's a home away from home when I go there. I try to get back when I can. During the season, it's hard. In the summer, when I get a few days off, I make a trip up there with my family and see everyone."
Lalande is ready for all out mayhem in Sudbury on Sunday and Monday for Games three and four of the championship series.
"Yes, I am anxious," said the six-foot, 185-pound goalie. "In the first round, I got to play Ottawa, which is where I am from now. Then, I play Sudbury in the conference championship…it's just fantastic. Not too many players get to play in front of their hometowns, I guess, twice in the playoffs. Plus knowing my family is going to be there is incredible and I can't wait."
The Bulls organization also loves the fact Lalande has such staunch supporters on the road as it gives the entire team a boost.
"Kevin seems to have family everywhere," joked Bulls head coach and GM George Burnett. "He has a big family and they follow him. Often, on the road, you can see 60 to 70, even more, Lalande jerseys in the crowd. It's nice for him to have familiar faces on the road."
The dedicated support doesn't hinder Lalande at all, and if anything, drives him to compete harder.
"You would think his focus would be off a bit in those situations, but it's not at all," said Burnett. "It's even stronger. His family cares for him immensely, and in turn, it makes him play his best. Kevin has quite a following and we're going to miss it when he's gone."
Lalande is one of the main cogs driving the Belleville machine in the playoffs.
"What people saw from Kevin in Game one against Sudbury was a perfect example of what he means to our hockey club," said Burnett. "We didn't play a good game. The game could have been over after two periods with Sudbury on its way to victory. Kevin gave us a chance to win the game. He was outstanding…he's been outstanding all season."
Lalande is a coach's dream.
"Kevin is very professional, focused and driven," said Burnett. "He was injured last season and missed the playoffs. He has battled back…and has plenty of motivation to do well. He impressed Calgary enough this season and they stepped up and signed him to an NHL contract. It's fun to work with a kid like Kevin. He prepares well and represents our hockey club extremely well. He brings his best everyday, whether it be practice or a game…he has earned the respect of a lot of people."
Putting his signature on a Calgary Flames contract was a defining moment in Lalande's career.
"It was a big deal for me," said the four-year OHL veteran. "When you grow up as a hockey player, you want the opportunity to try and play in the NHL. Being drafted and signed was a big step towards that dream."
Like all Major Junior hockey players, Lalande wants to win the Memorial Cup.
"We have a great squad here with a lot of depth," said Lalande. "We're getting contributions from everyone. The goal is the Memorial Cup, but we're not getting ahead of ourselves at all. We still have to beat Sudbury and other teams…we have a long ways to go."
