Forward Jaeseok Lee is very thankful he landed a spot on the Boston Jr. Rangers this season as with the help of head coach Rich DeCaprio and the organization, it helped him earn an NCAA Division III commitment to New England College for the 2025-26 season.
Lee split his time between the NCDC and the EHL last season, but had his sights on signing with the Jr. Rangers this year and that is exactly what he did. In 41 games with the Jr. Rangers this season Lee has 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) and he has played in every single game.
“The Boston Jr. Rangers are a very good team and the team I wanted to play for,” said Lee. “We have good coaches and teammates. Everyone is friendly and respectful of each other, so I think our teamwork is great. Also, the reason I signed with the Boston Jr. Rangers is because I talked a lot with my coach Rich DeCaprio before the new season started last year. He helped me a lot and I was confident that his good vision and long experience in hockey could help me improve and lead me better.”
Things moved quickly for Lee. He began talking with the coaching staff at New England College in early February and he knew that was the place for him. Lee explained that the coaching staff liked his “speed and overall style of play.”
New England College was a great fit for Lee as he was drawn to the campus, the competitiveness that the hockey program brings, and the academics.
“NEC is a good hockey school that can play competitive college hockey, and the hockey conference that NEC belongs to is very good,” said Lee. “It is also a school with good academics, so it was interesting to me.”
Lee plans on majoring in sports and recreation management and is very excited to be able to play in their nice facilities.
As a center, Lee helps the Rangers both offensively and defensively. He feels his assets are his fast skating to drive to the net and his good stick skills to create goals. But, Lee is continuing to work hard on his skills before he goes to the college level.
“The NCAA league is way physical, faster and stronger so I’m getting in better and bigger shape,” said Lee. “I’m also working on developing a better shot.”
Lee, being the only Korean NCDC player in the league, is setting a great example for future players. He hopes to finish out his juniors career strong with the Jr. Rangers.
“I will work with my teammates to win every game for the rest of the season and finish well to make the playoffs,” said Lee. “Also, as the only Korean NCDC player at present, I will try to be a good example for Korean and Asian players who want to play in the NCDC in the future.”
The NCDC congratulates Jaeseok Lee, his family, the Boston Jr. Rangers and New England College for his commitment.
