Derek Lalonde is the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings. He was born on August 18, 1972. He was an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning, contributing to their two Stanley Cup victories. Lalonde’s coaching experience spans several levels, including the NCAA, USHL, ECHL, and AHL. He was named the USHL Coach of the Year in 2012 and the ECHL Coach of the Year in 2015.
Lalonde’s coaching journey began in 1995, first as a graduate assistant at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. He later coached at several schools, including Lebanon Valley College and Hamilton College. As a player, he was a goaltender at SUNY Cortland, where he played 41 games, registering a 3.93 goals-against average and .877 save percentage. Lalonde is serving his second consecutive year as an assistant coach with the U.S. Men’s National Team.
Derek Lalonde's Family Origin
According to USAHockeymagazine, Derek Lalonde's family originates from Brasher Falls, a small hamlet in upstate New York. With a population of only 769, Brasher Falls is about 30 minutes from the Canadian border.
Who are Derek Lalonde’s Parents?
According to USAHockeymagazine, Derek Lalonde's parents are Jack and Donna Lalonde. Jack worked at a local electric power facility, while Donna ran a hair salon out of their home in Brasher Falls, New York, where Derek grew up.
According to the New York Times, despite not always earning a salary, Donna encouraged Derek to follow his dreams and never gave up on him, telling him to "keep doing what you're doing." Donna was well-known in their small hometown of Brasher Falls, New York, where she worked as a hairdresser. Tragically, Donna passed away in May 2022, just a month before Derek Lalonde's hiring as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings. He expressed deep regret that he could not share the exciting news with her mother but was certain she would have been extremely proud of his accomplishment.
Derek Lalonde’s sister
According to USAHockeymagazine, Derek Lalonde has one sibling, an older sister named Jazan. Growing up in Brasher Falls, New York, Derek and Jazan were raised in a modest household.
Who is Derek Lalonde’s wife?
According to MLive, Derek Lalonde’s wife is Melissa Lalonde. The couple met at Hamilton College in New York, where Derek was an assistant hockey coach and Melissa was an assistant soccer coach.
Melissa has had a successful coaching career in soccer, including serving as the head soccer coach at Ferris State University, where Derek also worked. She is passionate about soccer, and Derek, who was initially not interested in the sport, became a fan through her influence. Derek and Melissa have been married for over 20 years and have three children: Alex, Luke, and Abby.
Derek Lalonde’s Kids
According to MLive, Derek Lalonde and his wife, Melissa, have three children - Alex, Luke, and Abby. His sons, Alex and Luke, are involved in hockey, with Alex playing at the Taft School and Luke playing for Little Caesars 16U AAA.
FAQs on Derek Lalonde Family
A. Derek Lalonde is the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings.
A. Derek Lalonde is 52 years old.
A. Derek Lalonde attended Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
A. Derek Lalonde played college hockey for Cortland State as a goaltender from 1991 to 1994.
A. Derek Lalonde graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education and later earned a Master of Arts in education administration.
