Will support USA Hockey international teams, National Team Development Program COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – David Lassonde (Durham, N.H.), with more than 30 years of experience, has been named national goaltending coach for USA Hockey it was announced today. Lassonde will support USA Hockey’s international teams as well its National Team Development Program and also be involved in the organization’s overall goaltending development efforts. “We are thrilled to have David join our staff,” said John Vanbiesbrouck, assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. “He brings significant expertise through his varied experiences and we look forward to the positive impact he’ll make in our overall efforts to advance goaltending in our country.” Over his 32-year NCAA Division I men’s hockey coaching career that has included stops at the Dartmouth University, University of Denver, University of New Hampshire, Miami University, and University of Wisconsin, Lassonde’s resume includes 20 trips to the NCAA Tournament with five appearances in the Frozen Four, three conference tournament titles and six regular-season championships. Lassonde played collegiately for two seasons (1981-83) as a goaltender for Providence College. He has coached numerous All-American goaltenders over that time, including the likes of Ty Conklin, Mike Ayers, Sam Brittain and Kevin Regan. On the international stage, Lassonde has served as an assistant coach for USA Hockey seven times, including helping the U.S. win the gold medal at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship and a silver medal at the 2019 event. In addition, Lassonde also helped lead the U.S. Under-17 Men’s Select Team to the championship of the 2015 Five Nations Cup, and the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team to a second-place finish at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup. Lassonde also worked with Team USA at the World Deaf Ice Hockey Championships, winning a gold medal in 2017. Lassonde has served as a mentor at USA Hockey Player Development Camps since 1990, and has worked as an instructor for USA Hockey’s Warren Strelow National Goalie Program since 2007. “I’m excited to be part of moving forward the significant efforts USA Hockey has in place in advancing goaltending in our country, including those around our national teams,” said Lassonde. “I’ve been in and around USA Hockey my entire career and the continued push to be better is one of the great characteristics of what is a world-leading organization.” |