Latest news with #Condotta
Montreal Gazette
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Montreal Gazette
Family values shape community involvement for Laval Rocket's Lucas Condotta
Laval Rocket By Maybe this is simply what's expected of a captain in the Canadiens' organization. During the same year in which Nick Suzuki was nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy — awarded to the player who exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made the most positive impact in his community — Laval Rocket captain Lucas Condotta was nominated for the AHL equivalent, the Yanic Dupré Memorial Award. And while Condotta, the Rocket's nominee for a third successive season, didn't win — the honour went to Texas Stars captain Curtis McKenzie — he won't change his principles. 'Any chance you have to give back to the community is obviously really important to us,' Condotta recently told The Gazette. 'We wear the C's. You have to lead by example off the ice as well. 'I don't think it's just (up to) the captain,' he added. 'It's the team. We've had a lot of buy-in, with all the guys doing community events. Any chance you have to give back to people who are excited to see you, you can make 10 minutes of their day. It's important. We take pride here. As a team, we've played a part in this award. If you get nominated for an award, it's pretty cool. I'm just trying to be the best person I can be.' Condotta, 27, was named Rocket captain this season by new head coach Pascal Vincent, but has been considered a leader throughout his career. He was the UMass Lowell captain as a senior along with the team's most valuable player twice. Condotta was also named to the Hockey East all-academic team four times. Signed as a free agent by the Canadiens in 2022, Condotta has played three full seasons with the Rocket. The 6-foot-1, 218-pound centre had five goals and 31 points in 63 games this season, and has one goal through five playoff games heading into Friday night's contest against the Rochester Americans (7 p.m., RDS). The Rocket leads the best-of-five North Division final 1-0 after Wednesday's 5-4 victory. Jacob Fowler will be the starting goalie on Friday, Vincent announced after the team's morning skate. Forward Luke Tuch will also be inserted for the injured Xavier Simoneau. 'There's not enough good things I can say about (Condotta) that will justify what he does,' Vincent said. 'He's an amazing human being. Inclusive, humble and a hard-working guy. He knows who he is, knows the kind of player he is. He cares for his teammates and the team. He's a strong presence for us on the ice. I know the numbers aren't there this year offensively, but it goes way beyond the numbers. If we're having the season we're having, it starts with your No. 1 leader — and he's that guy. I'm very happy that he got recognized, because he's a special person.' A Georgetown, Ont., native, Condotta's family-first values were instilled at an early age by his parents, Joe and Sherry. 'Stick together and give back when you can,' said Condotta. 'I learned at a young age acts of service are very important.' Condotta didn't take his role lightly as Rocket captain, noting it was important to be inclusive and bring the team together on and off the ice. He also lives year-round in Laval with his wife and young daughter. And the Canadiens hold him in high esteem as well, signing him to a two-way, two-year contract extension in March. 'It just shows they believe in me and want me in the organization,' he said. Condotta played seven games for the Canadiens this season, scoring a goal against Columbus on Nov. 16. He has two goals in 11 NHL games and hopes to make his mark at next season's training camp. 'You have to be ready at any time,' he said. 'You've seen guys get called up and sent down. You never know.'
Ottawa Citizen
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Family values shape community involvement for Laval Rocket's Lucas Condotta
Article content Maybe this is simply what's expected of a captain in the Canadiens' organization. Article content During the same year in which Nick Suzuki was nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy — awarded to the player who exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made the most positive impact in his community — Laval Rocket captain Lucas Condotta was nominated for the AHL equivalent, the Yanic Dupré Memorial Award. Article content Article content And while Condotta, the Rocket's nominee for a third successive season, didn't win — the honour went to Texas Stars captain Curtis McKenzie — he won't change his principles. Article content Article content 'Any chance you have to give back to the community is obviously really important to us,' Condotta recently told The Gazette. 'We wear the C's. You have to lead by example off the ice as well. Article content 'I don't think it's just (up to) the captain,' he added. 'It's the team. We've had a lot of buy-in, with all the guys doing community events. Any chance you have to give back to people who are excited to see you, you can make 10 minutes of their day. It's important. We take pride here. As a team, we've played a part in this award. If you get nominated for an award, it's pretty cool. I'm just trying to be the best person I can be.' Article content Condotta, 27, was named Rocket captain this season by new head coach Pascal Vincent, but has been considered a leader throughout his career. He was the UMass Lowell captain as a senior along with the team's most valuable player twice. Condotta was also named to the Hockey East all-academic team four times. Article content Article content Signed as a free agent by the Canadiens in 2022, Condotta has played three full seasons with the Rocket. The 6-foot-1, 218-pound centre had five goals and 31 points in 63 games this season, and has one goal through five playoff games heading into Friday night's contest against the Rochester Americans (7 p.m., RDS). The Rocket leads the best-of-five North Division final 1-0 after Wednesday's 5-4 victory. Article content Article content Jacob Fowler will be the starting goalie on Friday, Vincent announced after the team's morning skate. Forward Luke Tuch will also be inserted for the injured Xavier Simoneau. Article content 'There's not enough good things I can say about (Condotta) that will justify what he does,' Vincent said. 'He's an amazing human being. Inclusive, humble and a hard-working guy. He knows who he is, knows the kind of player he is. He cares for his teammates and the team. He's a strong presence for us on the ice. I know the numbers aren't there this year offensively, but it goes way beyond the numbers. If we're having the season we're having, it starts with your No. 1 leader — and he's that guy. I'm very happy that he got recognized, because he's a special person.'
