Chaz Lucius (born May 2, 2003) is an American professional ice hockey center for the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect to the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). Lucius was drafted in the first round, 18th overall, by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.[1] Lucius played collegiate hockey with the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the NCAA.

Chaz Lucius
Born (2003-05-02) May 2, 2003 (age 21)
Lawrence, Kansas, U.S.
Height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Position Center
Shoots Right
NHL team (P)
Cur. team
Winnipeg Jets
Manitoba Moose (AHL)
NHL draft 18th overall, 2021
Winnipeg Jets
Playing career 2022–present

Playing career

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Following his freshman season with Minnesota, Lucius concluded his collegiate career by signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Winnipeg Jets on April 27, 2022.[2] Lucius began his professional career with the Jets AHL affiliate Manitoba Moose recording 5 points (2 goals and 3 assists) in 12 games. After returning from the World juniors, on January 9 Lucius was assigned to play major junior hockey for the remainder of the 2022-23 season with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL) - he was originally selected by the Winterhawks in the 2018 WHL draft (4th round; 74th overall).

Despite being assigned on January 9, due to the team being on an East Division road trip, Lucius didn't make his debut until January 20th against the Victoria Royals, recording 2 assists in a 7–6 OT win.

International play

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Medal record
Representing   United States
Ice hockey
World Junior Championships
  2023 Canada

On December 12, 2022, Lucius was named to the United States men's national junior ice hockey team to compete at the 2023 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. During the tournament he recorded five goals and two assists in seven games and won a bronze medal.[3]

Personal life

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Lucius has one younger brother, Cruz, who also plays hockey. Cruz plays as a winger for the Arizona State Sun Devils of the NCAA; he was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2022 and currently is an unsigned Pittsburgh Penguins prospect following a trade between the two teams.[4]

Career statistics

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Regular season and playoffs

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Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2019–20 U.S. National Development Under-17 Team USHL 26 8 12 20 6
2019–20 U.S. National Development Under-18 Team USHL 6 0 2 2 0
2020–21 U.S. National Development Team USHL 12 13 5 18 6
2021–22 University of Minnesota B1G 24 9 10 19 23
2022–23 Manitoba Moose AHL 12 2 3 5 6
2022–23 Portland Winterhawks WHL 6 5 10 15 0
2023–24 Manitoba Moose AHL 17 2 11 13 6
AHL totals 29 4 14 18 12

International

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Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2019 United States U17   6 7 3 10 0
2023 United States WJC   7 5 2 7 0
Junior totals 13 12 5 17 0

References

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  1. ^ "Chaz Lucius". Elite Prospects. Retrieved 2021-07-27.
  2. ^ "Jets sign forward Chaz Lucius to three-year, entry-level contract". Winnipeg Jets. April 27, 2022. Retrieved April 27, 2022.
  3. ^ Kimelman, Adam (December 12, 2022). "2023 World Junior Championship rosters". NHL.com. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  4. ^ Destin, Andrew (March 26, 2024). "Penguins Pipeline: Cruz Lucius can make plays others 'can't see,' but development remains". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on March 27, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
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Awards and achievements
Preceded by Winnipeg Jets first round draft pick
2021
Succeeded by