By Joshua Boyd / USPHLPremier.com
After a life lived near, or fully west of, the Mississippi River, Noah LaFleur is pointing his GPS east. The two-year Steele County Blades high-scoring forward and Captain has committed to Johnson and Wales University in Providence, R.I.
Born in Fairbanks, Alaska, and living the last few years in Wisconsin and Minnesota, LaFleur crested the career 100-point mark in just two seasons in Owatonna, Minn., affectionately known to the Blades and their fans as “O-Town.” He’s looking to take that high-octane offense to the Atlantic coast city of Providence and the JWU Wildcats.
“The recruiting process coming from junior hockey is always a unique experience. For me, my decision came down to the interactions with the coaches. I was drawn to Coach [Eric] Graham during a zoom call as we went over the campus at Johnson and Wales,” said LaFleur. “I learned about all the programs and opportunities they had to offer. Ultimately, that made me very excited to become a Wildcat.”
Over the seven years that the Blades have played in the USPHL Premier Conference, LaFleur is second in career points (107), and first in both goals (61) and points per game (1.30), over that seven-year Premier stretch for his team. His 56 points in 2023-24 helped him attain divisional All-Star honors, just as his 51 points also earned him the same accolades in 2022-23.
“My time in Steele County was awesome. I had coaches who were absolutely outstanding. They would express care for me as a player and a person each and everyday,” said LaFleur. “The development followed naturally having coaches you see put in the work and apply a plan to your day-to-day as a player. Having the knowledge that the coaches you are playing for are working just as hard as you was an incredibly positive experience. This ultimately helped me prepare for being a college level player.”
Wearing the “C” for Steele County meant a ton to LaFleur, and he learned leadership skills and personal development lessons that he’ll be able to carry forward to JWU.
“It was an honor to be recognized as a leader within the Steele County Blades organization. I think my dad has instilled leadership in me at a very young age and this applied on and off the ice. My dad has played a large part in who I have become,” LaFleur added. “I like to think my leadership doesn’t stop when I leave the rink, but to always be a respectful person who cares for others – someone who tries to push everyone around them towards the group’s ultimate goal.”
LaFleur has a plan for the remainder of the summer, over which he’ll continue to elevate his game to be NCAA-ready and be the best possible contributor to the Wildcats this fall.
“I think bringing more speed to my game, along with a focus in the defensive zone will go a long ways as I enter college hockey,” said LaFleur.
The USPHL congratulates Noah LaFleur, his family, the Steele County Blades and Johnson and Wales University for his commitment.
