By Mike Klees
UWRF Sports Information

Marc-Andre Lalande is the only returning player for the Falcons who was named to the All-NCHA first team in 2004. Known as a complete player, he is the lone senior on the blue line and will be the leader of the Falcons young defense. Lalande also gets a fair amount of opportunities on the offensive end, scoring eight goals and dishing out 18 assists in his three-year career.

The Falcons went to the second round of the NCAA playoffs last year, but they will need to fill the void left by the loss of eight letter-winners. Along with a group of talented young newcomers, Lalande will help fill that gap.

Lalande, 5-11, 185 pounds, is undersized for his position but he makes up for it with toughness and athleticism. He uses those abilities to his advantage against his bigger opponents.

"You need to learn to play with your size," said Lalande.

"Marc is unbelievably mobile, and he is a great skater," said Falcon assistant Coach Bob Ritzer. "He’s not real big, but he plays big and he is very tough. He is a good team player and he sees the ice very well."

Lalande grew up in Deux-Montagnes, Que., and started playing hockey at a young age. Lalande played junior AAA hockey in Quebec and played for Cedar Rapids of the USHL. Lalande says the biggest thrill in his hockey career was when he was with St. Jerome of the LHJAAAQ, and that team made it all the way to the playoff finals. He also played baseball when he was young, but in Quebec everything revolved around hockey, and consequently other opportunities were limited.

"Hockey has been there forever," said Lalande. "You grow up watching all the French Canadian greats, and you just wanted to be like them."

One of his main motivators growing up was his father, Jacques. He always helped Lalande be a better hockey player. Lalande also says he is motivated by Falcon Coach Steve Freeman and his incredible will to win.

"He wants it more than anyone else, even the players, and he gives everyone a good example to follow," said Lalande.

The Falcons will look for Lalande to take an active leadership role on this year’s team. He is one of only four seniors on a team with 12 incoming freshmen and only one of four returning defensemen. With all of the turnover the Falcons will need the experienced players to step up and help the younger players adapt to the college game.

"My personal goal is to be the best I can be, but also to help the new guys so that they can learn to lead in the future," said Lalande.

The Falcons will be in the hunt for the NCHA title, but St. Norbert is the clear favorite in the conference and in Div. III overall. Lalande believes that the younger Falcon team may have a better chance against the powerful Green Knights because it has not seen them yet. The intimidation factor will not be as high, and the Falcons can just go out and play hockey.

Lalande, who is majoring in business management, enjoys other sports, including baseball, alpine skiing and golf, but he admits that hockey is his one true obsession and it takes up most of his time. During the summer, when he can’t get on the ice, he enjoys playing roller hockey.

Lalande’s main goal for the team is the same as most players—to go all the way and win a national championship. That is the attitude that will hopefully take the Falcons to an NCHA title and a berth in the NCAA playoffs.

Marc-Andre Lalande