Simon Lafrance Graduates from UQTR with Bachelor’s Degree
Simon Lafrance, a former Patriotes athlete, received his bachelor’s degree in physical education teaching during UQTR’s graduation ceremony on Monday. He celebrated this achievement with his teammate Vincent Milot-Ouellet and his family. La importance of education was instilled in Lafrance from a young age, emphasizing success in school, politeness, respect, and attentiveness in class as family values.
Lafrance’s success extended beyond the classroom, as he scored the game-winning goal in overtime during the 2022 national championship. When he joined the Patriotes’ hockey program in 2019, he was unsure if physical education teaching was the right fit for him, but he quickly became passionate about it. The team achieved significant success, finishing on the podium three times at the Canadian university championship and winning the title in 2022 with Lafrance’s overtime goal.
Individually, Lafrance was recognized as the male athlete of the year at UQTR for three consecutive years and was named the Canadian player of the year for the 2022-2023 season. Despite numerous opportunities to leave UQTR early for professional hockey contracts, Lafrance remained committed to completing his degree.
Lafrance emphasized the importance of having a backup plan beyond a career in hockey, highlighting the value of his education. He turned down offers to play in the AHL and ECHL in favor of completing his studies at UQTR. Lafrance’s dedication to his education paid off, as he received multiple job offers after graduation.
After completing his degree, Lafrance decided to pursue a professional hockey career in Europe, signing with the Blue Fox in Denmark’s Metal Ligaen elite league for the 2024-2025 season. He sees this opportunity as a stepping stone to playing in top European leagues and eventually returning to North America.
Lafrance’s decision to play in Europe reflects his ambition to succeed on a global scale and continue the momentum he built at UQTR. While he remains open to opportunities in North America, his focus is on establishing himself in Europe and potentially playing in Sweden, Switzerland, or Germany in the future. Lafrance’s journey from UQTR to professional hockey in Europe is a testament to his dedication to both his athletic and academic pursuits.