NHL Veteran LaRose to Helm Pilots' Hockey Program
Continuing to build a team with a strong foundation is just one of the goals of new DLS varsity hockey head coach Chad LaRose – and he brings plenty of experience along with him.

LaRose was named the new head coach of DLS’s regional championship-winning varsity hockey team, taking over for former head coach Sean Clark, who was named general manager for the Sioux City Musketeers. Like his predecessor, LaRose plans to add more wins to DLS’s record. 
“I want to make the kids better on and off the ice,” said LaRose, 41. “I focus on motivating the kids so they can play as a team and compete at the highest level.”

Motivation and winning are what he strives for, proven in his 2006 Stanley Cup championship with the Carolina Hurricanes. With a playing career that extended from 2003-17 – and consisted of more than 600 games – the NHL veteran has vast knowledge to share.
LaRose currently trains and coaches in the area, and with his ties to DLS, he felt the job would be a great fit as he will be able to continue to develop his coaching and teaching philosophies. 

By having LaRose onboard, DLS will continue to move the hockey program forward and make it one of the most competitive programs in the state, said Athletic Director Dan Rohn. “I'm very excited to have Chad, with all his years of experience playing in the NHL and as a youth hockey coach, to lead our hockey program with his playing experience, knowledge of the game, and his ability to train and elevate our student-athletes.
"I'm confident that he will be a great asset within the De La Salle community,” Rohn said.

LaRose’s varsity hockey staff will include current assistant coach Nick Stefani and former Detroit Red Wings defenseman and DLS alumnus Danny DeKeyser, ’08, who called LaRose “a great hire.” 

DeKeyser highly recommended LaRose because of the time he recently spent training with him. He said, “Chad will push the organization on its continued path of success. He has great experience not only as a coach but also as a longtime professional player himself.”
He said he looks forward to supporting LaRose and the DLS student-athletes.

LaRose understands the community may be anxious about the change; he is eager to meet with them soon to alleviate any concerns. “I came here to coach hockey. I am a better hockey coach than a player. It’s the way I’ve stayed motivated. It’s my passion.” 

He wants to share his same passion for the game with his players. “I want us to grow together as a team, and I want them to be cohesive and have as much fun as they can, to enjoy the game of hockey and the values that hard work and competing can create for them.

“This is a special time in their lives when they are able to do that. We don't get to do this all the time, and I want to instill this in them,” he said. “I want them to have fun with it.”

LaRose, who works as a trainer with current NHL, IHL, and UHL players along with student-athletes, said, “I'm a firm believer that if you want to compete at the highest level, you have to skate and train. I’m constantly on skates in spring, summer, and fall. I love training players of all skill sets.” 
   
At just 2, LaRose, who is a native of Fraser, jumped on the ice to play with his brothers and quickly discovered the game that he loves and in which he would later devote his career to learning, playing, and teaching. 

He credited his family for their continued support and encouragement that allowed him to compete and wants to pass that along to the young athletes in the great game of hockey. He noted that his father was especially encouraging, who, once coming home from his second job after working all day, “I’d tell my dad, ‘Let’s go!’

“I’m excited for it, and I know the kids are. I’m excited to be a part of the DLS community. I love coaching and teaching this game,” said LaRose, who recently coached two Triple-A teams in the same season and understands the time and commitment it will take.

The time is right for him to be a part of the DLS hockey program and he looks forward to being out on the ice soon with both the JV and varsity teams, including with (JV hockey head coach) Ian Cicchini, ’10. “Players are going to make mistakes, but our coaches will work hard to coach them up… we will be hard on the kids but they will know we care. We are dedicated to their development and the program’s success. But, I want good effort and a 100-percent attitude.

“I’m very grateful and honored to be a part of this amazing school and their excellence in all aspects,” LaRose added. 

The DLS administration is excited about where the direction of the DLS hockey program is headed and is honored to have LaRose leading the program.
 
NHL Veteran LaRose to Helm Pilots' Hockey Program
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