Tommy Lafreniere playing for the Bakersfield Condors in the American Hockey League. (Image Credit: Bakersfield Condors)
By Victor Kaisar
First Goal

Blazers’ forward Lafreniere scores first professional goal for Bakersfield

Apr 12, 2026 | 1:41 PM

BAKERSFIELD, CAL. — Tommy Lafreniere scored his first professional hockey goal for the American Hockey League’s Bakersfield Condors, in an all-California showdown against the San Diego Gulls Saturday (April 11) night.

In just his second AHL game, the 19-year-old Kamloops Blazers forward made it 5-3 Condors at 8:13 of the third period, but Bakersfield ended up losing 7-3. Lafreniere collected a pass from Roby Järventie and beat Damian Clara with a shot from the faceoff circle to the right of the net.

A third-round draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers, Lafreniere signed an Amateur Try-Out Agreement (ATO) as he mulls his future. He’s eligible to return to the Blazers for his 19-year-old WHL season, though he has committed to playing NCAA hockey for the Western Michigan Broncos.

“I’ve got a big decision to make here,” Lafreniere said during exit meetings this month. “Obviously, I’m committed to Western Michigan and this is an unbelievable spot, so I’ve got to make a decision on what to do next year.” 

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Lafreniere finished second in goals (41) and third in scoring (77 points) in the 2025-26 regular season. He also added two goals and an assist as the Blazers were swept by the Kelowna Rockets in the first-round of playoffs.

An eighth round pick of the Blazers in the 2022 WHL prospects draft, Lafreniere has tallied 67 goals and 137 points in 144 games over three WHL seasons in Kamloops.

by Victor Kaisar

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