By Alexis Demopoulos
After 23 games in the NCDC with the Boston Jr. Rangers, forward Sam Lyons is ready for his new challenge – he is already in the process of moving on to the Milwaukee School of Engineering for the winter semester of this 2024-25 season.
Lyons, who was having a solid season with the Jr. Rangers tallying 13 points in 23 games is heading to MSOE in January to start play right away with the Raiders. Though he had a shortened junior hockey career, he credits a lot of his success to the Jr. Rangers and all the guidance they provided him.
“I appreciate BJR for everything they’ve helped me achieve in my short junior hockey career,” said Lyons. “I knew a couple players on the team coming in and they all had good things to say about the organization so I think having them there helped me choose BJR over any other NCDC team. “
In terms of the NCDC, Lyons is glad he chose to play there and thanks head coach Rich Dicaprio for helping him achieve his goals.
“The league helped me get noticed from showcases, easy accessible games, a coach who cares about his players and develops connections with college coaches that trust him,” said the Green Bay, Wis., native.
Things moved quickly for Lyons and MSOE as he started his communications with them right after Thanksgiving break and when the opportunity arose for him to go, he could not pass up the offer.
“MSOE had been watching me for a while now, and when the opportunity came up for them to fill a spot on their roster, they called me right away and offered me that spot,” said Lyons.
“MSOE’s coaches were interested in my physical and skilled play-style and they see me as a forward who can bring offense and be a solid 200-foot player.”
Though he wasn’t able to go on an in-person visit, Lyons has briefly visited the campus before and liked what he saw. It is close to home and having the rink right on a campus is a big plus. Lyons plans on majoring in business finance.
“MSOE is a great school being ranked 12th nationally for life after graduation success rate so it’s hard not to go crazy for that,” said Lyons. “A big interest I had with MSOE was playing closer to home back in Wisconsin with a young core group of guys to play with and develop with for the next couple of years.”
Coming off a surgery last season, Lyons is hoping to get his footwork back to what it once was when he gets to MSOE.
“I will be working on my foot speed and endurance,” said Lyons. My footwork hasn’t gotten back to where I want it to be yet since my surgery last season and neither has my endurance level. Both things I will be able to keep developing as I move up to college hockey.”
The NCDC congratulates Sam Lyons, his family, the Boston Jr. Rangers and Milwaukee School of Engineering for his commitment.
