Kitchener, Ont. – The Kitchener Rangers announced today that the club has signed forward Jacob Lukes to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.
Lukes, a native of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, is a right-shot forward who most recently played with Team Illinois 16U AAA. The 2009-born forward is listed at 6-foot-0 and 174 pounds and is committed to Bowling Green State University for the 2027-28 season.
“Jacob is a smart and skilled forward who put up great numbers with his team last year,” said Kitchener Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie. “He is a late bloomer who was passed over in the draft but has shown big improvement over the last year. He was recently among the final cuts for the Hlinka team as his game continues to grow. We are excited to welcome him and see him continue his development here in Kitchener.”
During the 2025-26 season with Team Illinois 16U AAA, Lukes recorded 86 points, including 26 goals and 60 assists, over 58 games. He also spent the 2024-25 season with Team Illinois 15U AAA, where he posted 42 points in 43 games.
“The staff made a great impression on me, and I knew Kitchener was a place where I could grow as a player and person,” said Jacob Lukes. “I’m excited to be part of this organization and help build on last season’s success.”
Lukes was selected by the Chicago Steel in the eighth round, 124th overall, of the 2026 USHL Entry Draft and by the Idaho Falls Spud Kings in the third round, 47th overall, of the 2025 NCDC Futures Draft.
