This article appears in the Spring 2026 issue of the FCA Donor Publication. The FCA publication is a gift from our FCA staff to all donors giving $50 or more annually. For more information about giving, visit here.
Growing up in Waterford, Michigan in the same house he lives in today, John LaFontaine was immersed in the Upper Midwest’s love of ice hockey. After a stellar prep career, LaFontaine spent several years (1981-84) playing in a handful of amateur leagues—the North American Hockey League, the Western Hockey League and the Ontario Hockey League. But when he saw his NHL dreams slipping away, his Aunt Jeanne sent him a life-changing tract about giving all your anxieties to God. The following summer, on a trip to Florida with some high school buddies, he met his future wife, Lorrie Watson, a Christian who invited him to her church. Eventually, LaFontaine placed his faith in the Lord. In 2012, he got involved with FCA when Rick Randazzo, FCA’s Director of Hockey, reached out to him. Today, LaFontaine, who is FCA’s 2025 John Oliver Character in Coaching Award winner, is in his eighth year as hockey coach and arena manager at Cranbrook Kingswood School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He and Lorrie have been married 38 years, with two grown children and one grandchild.
What has FCA meant to you?
The FCA Coaches Calls and, specifically, Rick have been growing me, guiding me and mentoring me. The Coaches Calls have put me back on the path when I have drifted, given me purpose when I became selfish and mentored me when needed guidance. It’s an amazing group of men and leaders to lean on and learn from.
How has being involved in FCA impacted your faith?
Listening to other coaches sharing their faith journey has inspired me to grow in all areas of my life. It is so encouraging to know that others share your passion for spreading the Gospel in the sport of hockey.
What’s your favorite memory from your experience with FCA?
Seeing former players now attending FCA Bible studies.
How do you stay connected to Christ, the true vine?
By living for the right purposes—putting others first, being content with what we have and giving all the praise and glory to God. This helps keep me stay connected to God.
How do you as a coach help cultivate spiritual fruit in your athletes?
God directs me through the Holy Spirit to meet with our players individually. Most lack confidence and direction. Instead of focusing on their weaknesses on the ice, I focus on their potential to be a strong, committed, reliable teammate. This always seems to open up the conversation toward God instead of self.
Why is spiritual training important and what does it look like in your life right now?
Spiritual training and growth for me is about calling on the Holy Spirit all day long and learning how to hear Him clearly. When I do anything on my own, I get in trouble. I need the Holy Spirit in every aspect of my life. If only I took the time to listen more and escape to quiet places to truly engage with Him more!
-FCA-
Photos courtesy of John LaFontaine