Laprade named new assistant at LSSU

LSSU Press Release

Former Lake Superior State forward and volunteer coach Doug Laprade is no stranger to Laker hockey and returns to the program in 2011-12 as an assistant coach.

Laprade played for the Lakers from 1987-91 and was a right wing for the 1988 national championship team. Head coach Jim Roque and Laprade were assistant coaches together at LSSU under Jeff Jackson. Laprade was a volunteer assistant at LSSU in 1991-92 and 1992-93.

“I’m thrilled to be back and coach the team I played on,” Laprade said. “I’ve always had a lot of respect for Jim and Tim (Christian).”

“He’ll travel with us, recruit and be involved in all aspects of the job,” Roque said. “He’s been in sales most of his life. He’s polished when it comes to dealing with players, parents, recruiting. He has a lot of coaching experience and experience dealing with young athletes. He’s been coming to a lot of our practices over the years, picking up drills. It will be an easy transition for him.”

Laprade spent the past seven seasons with the Sault Area High School hockey program, including four years as head coach. The Blue Devils won 70 games and three regional titles during that tenure. They made one MHSAA state semifinal appearance.

“For me, coaching at Sault High was a great experience,” Laprade said. “I tried to coach the kids at a high level. I tried to teach them to not only be better players, but to help them graduate and become young men. We had some success, but that process was the best part – getting to know the kids and seeing them grow. I’d also like to say we have great community support at Sault High and Lake State. I appreciate the community support for both programs.”

After spending most of his professional career in radio advertising sales in Sault Ste. Marie, Laprade recently became agent-owner of the Sutter-Laprade Insurance Agency.

“We’re excited to have an alum in the program,” Roque added. “He won a national championship as a player and a volunteer coach…He’s been helping keep alumni in the loop. We want to have a 20-year reunion with the ’92 team next summer. He’ll be able to help with that a lot.”

Laprade was a 1988 11th round draft pick of the Los Angeles Kings. The Thunder Bay, Ont., native totaled 17 goals and 16 assists during four seasons with the Lakers.

Laprade replaces Rich Metro, who was recently named head coach and general manager of Villard de Lans of League Magnus in France.

Photos courtesy Lake Superior State Athletics