This week, the Michigan High School Athletic Coaches Association (MHSCA) selected Cranbrook's John Lafontaine as the 2021 Coach of the year. This selection is based on the performance of the program over the years and/or their contribution to the sport, school and community. The MHSCA is a 66-year-old association with nearly 35,000 members serving as athletic administrators and all levels of coaches in numerous high schools, junior high and middle schools throughout the state of Michigan. 

In his first season behind the bench, Lafontaine led Cranbrook to its first state championship since 2015. The Cranes went 15-4-0 during the 2020-21 season and finished first in the MIHL North Division for the first time in six seasons.

Lafontaine has also served as head coach at Shattuck-St. Mary's, as well as organizations in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), United States Hockey League (USHL) and Lake Superior State before coaching at Cranbrook last season.

He will be presented with the award on November 7th, in Lansing at the MHSCA Winter Awards Luncheon with more than 28 coaches and athletic directors in attendance.