Fontaine jersey retirement spurs Pontiacs to massive 8-2 win

“I remember telling myself that one day, I will play for my hometown team. I will play for the Bonnyville Pontiacs.”

The number 14 now proudly hangs in the rafters of the RJ Lalonde Arena as Justin Fontaine joins the pantheon of Bonnyville Pontiacs greats. 

Saturday night saw a thirty minute jersey retirement ceremony which included an introduction speech by play by play voice Michael Menzies, a career highlight video, speech from Fontaine, a collection of words from other retired players in Mark Letestu, Jon Kalinski, and Mike Germann, and the banner raising. 

A NHLer for three seasons, a NCAA Frozen Four champion, and multi-year Bonnyville Pontiac, Fontaine retired in 2021, roughly 15 years after finishing his playing days in town. 

 

The new video scoreclock provided a focal point for the ceremony, which made it a pro atmosphere amidst the largest crowd of the season, clocked in at 945 in attendance. 

“It’s just a really special night for me and my family,” Fontaine told Connect. 

“A lot of hard work went into this. Growing up, like I said earlier, my dad was there for me. He knew a lot about the game and taught me to play the right way. And like I said, it doesn’t come easy. But I’m fortunate for the career and I’m glad to be back in Bonnyville. To have this honour, it’s pretty special.” 

Fontaine’s speech thanked several people and had several emotional moments, especially when talking about former teammate Matt Cook, who in 2005-06 was diagnosed with cancer and had to have his leg amputated. He passed away in 2010. 

“Cookie. You’re missed everyday. Regardless of the circumstances, you were always the guy who brought that positive energy to the room day in and day out,” he told the assembled crowd. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘He’s meant so much’

The moment was not lost on the team either. The Yaks dumped eight goals on the North Division leading Spruce Grove Saints, en route to sweeping the weekend and the season-series against the city area club in 8-2 and 1-0 victories. 

Captain Trey Funk had one of his finest weekends, including a natural hat-trick scored in three minutes and 25 seconds in the 1st period on Saturday. 

Fontaine routinely skates with the players to work on skills and habits, making it meaningful for this current edition of Pontiacs.  

“He’s meant so much to the team. He comes out to practice. He’s always there helping us and giving us tips. Different reads on the ice, he’s a big part of the team,” said Funk before the ceremony. 

“For him to have a night like this, it’s really special. The group is looking forward to it.” 

Throughout the evening, Fontaine repeated what it meant to him, and to re-live some of these memories. 

His family joined him on the ice, and many friends and fellow alumni celebrated in the VIP Lounge as the Yaks laid the smack on the Saints. 

“It’s great to be up there with those guys and just my career here and the loyal fans that have always had my back. Even in college, winning a national championship, coming back to town and they put on something for me. It’s pretty special. Not everyone gets to experience that. So I’m very fortunate and I’m glad this community has been behind me for all,” he said. 

Four crucial points in the standings

Despite standing on the goal-line throughout the ceremony, the Yaks were shot out of a cannon, scoring four 1st period goals. While some sags happened in the middle frame, a second goal of the night from JR Ashmead and backdoor tap-in for Max Seguin restored the four goal lead. 

Seguin added another one and Noah Heinrich wrapped the night up with goals. 

Goaltender Bodee Weiss was superb both Friday and Saturday, stopping 44 of 46 shots in 120 minutes, and earning his first shutout of the season. 

That snaps a season high five game losing skid, and puts the Yaks back into 3rd in the division at the moment. 

“They just showed how much they care about Justin and how much he means to our team to come out and put on a performance like that. Led by our captain right off the bat,” said Connor Cadaret, alluding to Funk’s hat-trick. 

“He’s stepped up big time since we’ve lost some players out of our lineup. He’s played his best hockey I’ve ever seen him play. He’s been leading the best I’ve ever seen him lead on the bench. So he’s just continued where he’s left off.”

Cadaret says the focus on five minute increments in the period has kept the team dialled in and more consistent over the weekend. 

They hope that momentum can continue into its next three games, all on the road this week. 

Bonnyville heads to Sherwood Park tonight for their last regular season meeting, hoping for revenge after a four-goal collapse. 

The Pontiacs will then have an overnight trip to Okotoks and Calgary on Friday and Saturday. 

They’ll return home on Friday, February 3rd to host the Lloyd Bobcats. 

You can listen every game, all season on lakelandconnect.thedev.ca/pontiacs.