Detroit City Wire

DETROIT -- During a busy NHL offseason, Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde expressed his enjoyment of his hockey-filled life. Less than a month after completing his second season with the Red Wings, Lalonde served as an assistant coach for Team USA at the 2024 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship in Czechia from May 10-26.

Lalonde, who also served in this role last summer, described coaching on an international stage as an incredible privilege. “Overall, an unbelievable experience to represent your country,” Lalonde told DetroitRedWings.com. “The staff and players were a great group of guys. I’ve said this all along: I never say no to USA Hockey. I’m glad I went again this year.”

The U.S. Men’s National Team's medal hopes ended with a 1-0 shutout loss to Czechia in the quarterfinals on May 23. The Americans concluded the tournament with a record of 5-0-1-2 (W-OTW-OTL-L), placing fifth out of 16 countries.

“This year was obviously different than last when we went undefeated until the semifinals,” Lalonde said. “We just got a really bad draw this year, so I feel for the guys because the buy-in of doing the right thing and playing the right way were there.”

Lalonde believes his experience at Worlds contributed to his growth as an NHL head coach. “A lot of personal growth,” he noted. “Watching other coaches operate, understanding their process and learning things from them. Also learning things from the players.”

Five current players representing the Red Wings organization—forward Lucas Raymond, defensemen Jeff Petry and Olli Maatta, goalie Alex Lyon and goaltender prospect Trey Augustine—participated in Worlds for their respective countries. Detroit goaltending coach Alex Westlund also worked alongside Lalonde on Team USA’s coaching staff.

“Last year, I spent a ton of time with our Red Wings guys,” Lalonde said. “This year was a little bit different because the event was more spread out."

Raymond had a breakout 2023-24 season with Detroit, setting career-highs in goals (31), assists (41), and points (72) in 82 games. He continued to excel at Worlds with Team Sweden, recording nine points (four goals, five assists) in 10 games and helping lead Sweden to a bronze medal as an alternate captain.

“I think he’s going to continue to take steps,” Lalonde said about Raymond’s performance.

Looking ahead to the next season, Lalonde is optimistic about further progress for the Red Wings in 2024-25.

“We’re going to ask our guys to continue to make strides too and I think they expect the same of us,” he stated.

Lalonde plans to spend time with his family over summer while celebrating his son Luke's selection by Sioux City Musketeers during Phase 2 of the USHL Draft on May 7.

Additionally, through their non-profit organization—the Lalonde Family Initiative—the family has launched scholarships benefiting students at St. Lawrence Central High School in Brasher Falls, N.Y., where several family members attended school.

“I’m here as an NHL head coach but I had to start somewhere,” Lalonde reflected on their new initiative aimed at supporting high school student-athletes academically and athletically.

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