The Minotauros are proud to announce that forward Philippe Lalonde has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Dartmouth College. Lalonde will become the first Tauro alum to play for the Big Green.
Lalonde says he chose Dartmouth for several reasons, “I like the program Dartmouth as a whole because of everything they have to offer there. Not only do they have incredible academics being an Ivy League school, but the hockey seems to be trending upwards with exciting years to come. The campus is awesome, and the people there make the place feel like a second home.”
Lalonde has been a Tauro for just a couple of weeks but has already had an impact with an assist on Friday in his first game with the team and a goal on Saturday as the Tauros swept the Austin Bruins. Despite his short time in the Magic City Tauros Head Coach/General Manager Cody Campbell helped Lalonde make his final decision. Lalonde explained, “he helped me make sure it was the right choice and gave me advice with going forward.”
Also despite just joining the Tauros line Lalonde has made an impression on Campbell who said, “Phil is a highly skilled and intelligent player. He is just scratching the surface of what he is capable of.” Campbell continued, “Dartmouth is a great fit for Phil academically and athletically as he will receive an Ivy League education while developing under a staff that wants all of their players to move on to high level pro hockey. We know Phil has only been here a short time but we are extremely excited for him and his family and look forward to continuing to help him prepare for his next steps in his career”
As for the Ivy League education he will receive while there the Lalonde intends to study “business and economics.” Aside from class and hockey Lalonde intends to spend time watching Dartmouth’s football and soccer teams.
For players to reach their goal of playing DI hockey they of course need help and Lalonde was no different; “I would like to thank my parents Francois and Valerie, my two sisters Allie and Maddie, Coach Kevin Patrick, my advisor, and all of my friends who have supported me throughout this time,” said Lalonde.
Lalonde and the Tauros return to the ice this weekend against the North Iowa Bulls. The Tauros will be honoring Minot High’s football and chearleading teams for their state championships on Friday night. Tickets for both games are available, in the Tauros Hockey Mobile App, through the “Tickets” tab atop this page or by visiting the Tauros ticketing site tickets.minotauroshockey.com.