In an exclusive interview with Maize n Brew, Michigan Hockey’s Philippe Lapointe discussed his career in Ann Arbor. Here is a look back at his contributions to the program and future plans:
Michigan Hockey forward Philippe Lapointe recently spoke with Maize n Brew about his time in Ann Arbor, Frozen Four trips, his teammates and much more.
Let’s take a look at his playing days and celebrate an unsung hero.
The Family Connection
Lapointe’s father, Martin, was an NHL player for 16 years for the Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins , Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators . Martin helped the Red Wings win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1997-98, and his time in Detroit paved the way for his sons’ futures in Michigan.
Philippe’s older brother, Guyot, is a fellow Michigan Man and played for the club hockey program. His younger brother, Noah, is set to begin his collegiate career for the Arizona State Sun Devils this fall.
A Novi, Michigan-born, Chicago-raised kid, Philippe grew up on the Chicago Mission AAA teams before spending time at the prestigious Shattuck St. Mary’s school in Minnesota, as well as the Lincoln Stars and Central Illinois Flying Aces of the USHL. Then, in 2019-20, he ventured north to skate for the Trail Smoke Eaters of the BCHL. He was named captain in his lone season.
That leadership and scoring pedigree (20 goals, 35 assists in 36 games for Trail) helped him land a Michigan scholarship. It was an easy decision for him to play under then-head coach Mel Pearson and absorb all Michigan has to offer.
“You look at Michigan, I don’t think you can get a better combination of athletics and academics in a college,” Lapointe said.
“Making sure that once hockey is done for me, that I’m in a prime position to be able to be successful after hockey,” Lapointe added.
The Playing Days
Despite Philippe’s excitement to don the maize and blue like his older brother, he faced adversity in his first couple seasons. Lapointe appeared in just 25 games during his underclassmen years and was largely left behind his classmates.
Those 2024s were a historic group, featuring NHL stars like Matty Beniers, Owen Power and Kent Johnson, as well as Brendan Brisson, Thomas Bordeleau, and Erik Portillo.
“They’re superstars in the NHL and having great careers,” Lapointe said. “But they’re just great human beings. That’s what college is for — you’re making friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Jacob Truscott, who captained the Wolverines the last two seasons, was another member of that class and roomed with Lapointe during their final days in college.
“Those guys just brought a different level of competition and excellence to the program. It was just so cool to see what they can do every single day on the ice,” Lapointe said.
The group is still as tight-knit as when they arrived on campus, as they frequently talk to one another and have a yearly trip. Despite the varying stages of their hockey careers, they are thankful for the opportunity to have played together and remain so close.
Once many of them left for the NHL, it was time for Lapointe to shine.
Lapointe played in 25 games in 2022-23, but it was his senior 2023-24 campaign that saw his NHL chances skyrocket. He was a fixture on each of the last two rosters and recorded seven goals and 12 assists over 73 games.
However, perhaps his most impressive achievement was helping Michigan reach three consecutive Frozen Fours from 2022-24. Along with those legendary classmates, the Wolverines nearly summited the mountaintop each year, but came up short to heavier, veteran-led squads.
“I feel like all three runs that we had, we had the team to win,” Lapointe said.
Lapointe, who began his career during the COVID year, is grateful for still getting the holistic Wolverine experience.
“Since then, my experience has been unbelievable,” Lapointe said. “Then sophomore year, you really get an understanding of what’s going on around the campus and starting to make some friends. Your junior, senior years fly by. My fifth year, I was just trying to soak everything in every moment.”
And that he did. Lapointe was an alternate captain his final two years, providing his buddy Truscott with an excellent running mate and guiding the youngsters.
The Leader
Lapointe, a fearless player who would do anything to help his team win, quickly earned the admiration of his teammates. He did not put up All-American numbers, nor is he going to the NHL like many of his teammates. But earning the “A” for a program with this rich a tradition and history is nothing to scoff at. It demonstrates his outstanding character and respect throughout the program.
When I asked him more specifically about his locker room role, he chuckled about not having aux responsibilities, but still found a way to impact his younger teammates.
“I was never an aux guy,” Lapointe said. “You know, not necessarily holding court, but sometimes keeping guys in check. Obviously, you got the freshmen and sophomores running their mouths a little bit here and there, so you got to keep them in check.”
Lapointe also handled the off-ice pregame speeches, a crucial moment to dial in and prepare for the upcoming contest. The on-ice speeches were reserved for Luca Fantilli.
He learned from his veterans like Nick Blankenburg, Jimmy Lambert, Strauss Mann and Jack Becker, all of whom taught him what leadership looks like and how to enhance a team away from the ice.
“You don’t have to be a certain way or change the way that you are to be a leader on Michigan hockey or a leader in life,” Lapointe said.
One of my favorite Lapointe stories was about a time when Truscott found his shoes filled with shaving cream. The initial suspects were those underclassmen who sometimes needed to stay in check, but upon video review, it was assistant coach Bill Muckalt who had been the culprit.
It’s pranks like that and locker room moments Lapointe will miss the most as he wraps up his playing days.
Lapointe further displayed his leadership when asked about NIL and the changing landscape of collegiate sports. While he is happy to get out of this situation before it escalates, he always saw NIL as something bigger than a money-grab.
“You’re doing a lot of work for the community,” Lapointe said. “It’s not just, you get a paycheck and that’s it … I think that’s important for the growing landscape of NIL, to be philanthropic with your NIL.”
The End
Lapointe is headed back to Chicago upon graduation to start his career in real estate. His competitive hockey days may be over, but he is someone who left his print on Michigan Hockey for the better. For that, we thank him.
Best of luck to Philippe in Chicago, and hopefully we can hear all (that he can share) about those class reunions.