Opposing coaches had nothing but praise for South Burlington High School junior Lucas Van Maren's all-around play. One rival coach best summed up the defenseman's ability to disrupt games:
“He's a 200-footer,” BFA-St. Albans coach Ben Roberts said. “He could play forward, he could play defense. He was very dynamic and a threat any time the puck was on his stick.”
“And it looked easy for him. It looked like he was running at half speed. He's playing the right way.”
And after a 15-goal, nine-assist season from the blueline that led the Wolves to their first Division I title game appearance in nine years, Van Maren won the state's highest honor, the Free Press' Mr. Hockey Award. Obtained. The award has been presented annually since 1992 to the state's top male hockey player.
Earlier this week:This record-setter is Free Press' Miss Hockey for the 2023-24 season
Van Maren becomes the first South Burlington player to be named Mr. Hockey since Tommy Royer in 2013.
In a phone interview Tuesday afternoon, Van Maren spoke to a Burlington Free Press reporter about his memorable season, playing with his brother and what's next for the junior.
Editor's note: This interview Edited for clarity and length.
Burlington Free Press: First of all, what is your top priority as a defenseman?
Lukas Van Maren: As a defenseman, my first priority is always to give my team and forwards the best chance to score, while at the same time keeping the puck out of the goal. My number one priority is to create and be involved in my own offense and change the team's scheme to a four forward, one defenseman offense. But, as I said, the first priority is to keep the opposing team out of our net and to minimize any valid and dangerous opportunities that the opposing team may try to get. The first priority is always defense, that's my position and my role.
BFP: When and how do you decide to attack from the blue line and move forward?
Van Maren: It's really a matter of feel, but I'm always looking for and anticipating times and moments where I can make a play that could turn into an offensive push. I’m always looking for space and looking for forward plays that I can potentially make. But really, it's just something I've gotten used to, and if I get the puck in the corner, if I get the puck in front of the goal, I'm going to handle it differently. When you're cornered, it's time to test. I like making him one-on-one. Because I'm confident and I have a lot of ice to work with. Read and react to know when to carry the puck and when not to carry it.
BFP: What was it like playing with your brother this season?
Van Maren: It was great. Before this year, I had never played with my brother (Miles) on the ice, so I didn't even know what to expect. I was really excited going into this year and in the first quarter of the season we were defensive partners and it was awesome. We would go home and just talk about hockey and plays and how each other moved and what plays to read and when to read them. But we're brothers, so we're very comfortable letting each other know when we've done something wrong or not been nice about it to make sure our message gets through.
It's hard to accept criticism from your younger brother, but everything comes to my mind and I think and process it all. I don't always fully accept him, but we definitely respect each other. I was very happy to see him in action again this year.
BFP: Did having a team with three sets of siblings create a more family atmosphere?
Van Maren: I think there was a family atmosphere on the team, and honestly, I don't think it was because of the brothers. There was definitely a family feel to the team all year long as everyone bought into the team very early on and the captain did a really good job of bringing everyone together.
BFP: What areas of your game have you improved the most this season?
Mr. Van Maren: I think there are two areas. One thing I wanted to work on was his defensive play. Because if you keep the puck out of the net, you really increase your chances of winning. Then I worked on the finishing touches. Up until now, it was easy for me to get into scoring position, but last year I had a hard time (scoring). This year, he worked more on the offensive line in practice and completed the puck.
BFP: What is your favorite goal you have scored this season?
Van Maren: We have to score the second goal in the semi-final against (Mount Mansfield). First, as any hockey player will tell you, the harder you work towards your goal, the better you will feel. And in that case, I just got hacked and ended up spinning and whipping. I saw it go in and you just feel this feeling that you deserve it. The atmosphere after that goal was incredible.
I know this is not a question, but I would like to send a shout out to the entire coaching staff. I don't think we could have been as productive or successful with any other coaching staff. Our head coach (Sean Jones) knows exactly how to deal with this group of players we have, and all of our assistant coaches played their roles perfectly. And beyond hockey, they're great people and really good role models and mentors.
BFP: What is your favorite memory from the 2023-24 season?
Van Maren: There are two things that stick out in my mind. One was Miles' game-winning goal against Spalding in overtime. Miles had a lot of chances in that game and the goalkeeper was great. We were really frustrated and in overtime, (Miles) beat one (on Spaulding's goalie) and we went to the corner and started celebrating. Another thing that comes to mind easily is that right after I scored the fifth goal in the semifinals against MMU, I came back to the bench and looked at Drew Dougherty and said, “Smoke up, we're going.'' ” That's what it felt like. To the intestines. It's something we've been talking about for a long time and the satisfaction of finally having it actually happen was insane. It felt great.
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Contact Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @aabrami5
Mr.hockey
2024: Lucas Van Maren, South Burlington
2023: Jackson Strong (Essex)
2022: Justin Primm, Essex
2021: Finn O'Hara, Harwood
2020: Dan Ellis, BFA-St. Albans
2019: Jonah Janaro, Essex
2018: Ryan Young, Essex
2017: denver heath, spalding
2016: Matt Needleman, BFA-St. Albans
2015: Eric Short, Essex
2014: Matty Cuse, Colchester
2013: Tommy Royer, South Burlington
year 2012: Mike Schreiner, BFA-St. Albans
2011: Robbie Dobrowski, Champlain Valley
2010: Jake Orr, Essex
2009: Trevor Pollock, Burr, Burton
2008: Ben Paar, Essex
2007: Jason Olson, Rutland
2006: Mark Collins, BFA-St. Albans
Year 2005: Brendan Van Tuinen, Harwood
2004: Brett Leonard, South Burlington
2003: Ryan Van Schoick, Hartford
2002: John Day, Champlain Valley
2001: Joe Gardi, Essex
the year of 2000: Mark Russell, Essex
1999: Lou DiMasi, Burlington
1998: Ben Lettreneau, Burlington
1997: Keith Morris, Spaulding
1996: Lee Godbout, Colchester
1995: Luke Davignon, Rice
1994: Mike Bay, Rice
1993: Justin Martin, Essex
1992: Kyle Lanphear, BFA-St. Albans
