The Pontiacs organization has announced that they will be raising the #14 banner to the rafters of the RJ Lalonde arena to honour Justin Fontaine on January 21st against the Spruce Grove Saints.
Justin Fontaine and the number 14 was a match made in heaven for Pontiacs fans during the 2005-2007 AJHL seasons. Justin embodied what it meant for a hometown boy to wear the Pontiacs jersey and to wear it proudly. Starting as an affiliate player in 2004, Justin found instant success and the Pontiacs knew they had a special player in Fontaine.
Fontaine compiled 157 points in 114 regular season games and another 15 points in 14 playoff games. Justin also secured the AJHL Rookie of the Year in 05/06 and was named to the AJHL All-Star Team North in 06/07. After his tenure with the Pontiacs, Justin secured a scholarship with the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs where he would later win a National Championship in his senior year. After college, Justin went on to sign as a free agent with the Minnesota Wild and log over 210 career NHL games. Since his hockey career has ended, Fontaine has come back to Bonnyville and gives back to the Pontiacs organization working with them in a skills coach capacity.
Current Associate General Manager Neil Langridge noted; “Fonz was one of the most talented players I have ever seen in a Pontiacs jersey. Growing up with him, you knew he was destined for a great hockey career and he helped put the Pontiacs and Bonnyville on the map in the hockey world. This was a long time coming. We are thrilled to honour Justin and his family by raising the number 14 to the rafters in the RJ. I would like to invite everyone to join us on January 21st at 6:30pm to take part in this great event and recognize Justin Fontaine for his accomplishments”.
Associate General Manager Chad Nelson said “We are looking forward to seeing former Players, Coaches, Board Members, and Volunteers join us on the 21st to help celebrate all of Justin’s accomplishments”.
The Pontiacs have not honoured any former players since raising former Pontiac and hometown star, Jon Kalinksi’s jersey back in March of 2017.
The ceremony will start at 6:30pm on the 21st and tickets for the game are available online now at tickets.bonnyvillepontiacs.ca