NCDC Die-Hards is a series of articles profiling signed and returning NCDC veterans preparing for the 2024-25 season.
By Joshua Boyd / NCDCHockey.com
The Jersey Hitmen are gearing up for what they hope will be a huge campaign and potentially one that can take them back to Dineen Cup glory, after they became the first NCDC team to win back-to-back Cups in 2021 and 2022. The Hitmen have already signed several more than worthy veterans to help them get an early start towards victories when the 2024-25 campaign kicks off.
Defenseman Lucas Di Chiara, who will go into his fourth season at the same junior level, is in the hunt for team glory as well as to set up his NCAA hockey future this year.
“I felt I had a solid year in Jersey. We had an up and down year, but we came together at the end of the year and made the playoffs. I felt being in a leadership role was very important for me to be consistent everyday in the gym and on the ice to lead by example and push my teammates,” said Di Chiara, an ‘04 from Fairfield, Conn.
A former Shattuck-St. Mary’s player up to 15U, Di Chiara started his junior career in 2021-22 and played in two prior leagues before joining the NCDC. But it is to the NCDC he will return.
“The reason I re-signed with the Hitmen is because we, as a group, fell short at the end of the year, but feel that we have a lot to prove,” said Di Chiara. “We have a solid core coming back from last year and everyone is super excited to get back into it and get the season started on the right foot.”
Di Chiara was a fantastic two-way blueliner for the Hitmen, standing 6-feet-1-inch and weighing 196 pounds, while also providing 22 points in his 48 regular season games. He also added an assist in four playoff games. It was all part of what he saw as just an overall first-rate experience in junior hockey.
“I enjoyed every second in Jersey. The day-to-day life is unmatched, and the facilities we have access to are second to none,” Di Chiara said. “With Jersey being such a well-established program, there is great structure, organization and support for players. The coaching staff, athletic training, strength and conditioning, and billets are fantastic, and the Hitmen organization is comparable to any top juniors program in North America.”
In addition to playing for the Hitmen, he’s also excited that he gets another chance to play in the NCDC.
“The best part of playing in the NCDC is that it’s a highly competitive league, with a lot of exposure,” added Di Chiara. “Every team in the Atlantic Division has a mixture of speed, skill and physicality. Being located in New Jersey is a great spot for so many schools to come and scout our team.”
Di Chiara is happy to say that he has enjoyed some talks with college hockey teams already, and that will certainly continue as the 2024-25 season approaches and then begins.
“Due to the great exposure and Coaches Toby Harris’ and Jim Hunt’s connections, I’ve had conversations with colleges. I want to go to a program with a great academic side that will help with life after hockey,” Di Chiara added. “Ideally, I would like to attend a school on the East Coast, just to be closer to home.”
What kind of player will these colleges be seeing when Di Chiara hits the ice this year? He believes they will certainly see an improved two-way defenseman in the Carolina Blue.
“I felt I really improved my overall game. I was used on both sides of special teams last year, so my offensive side of my game really flourished and I feel I have more to prove,” he said. “Also, the defensive side of my game improved especially when you are playing against the other teams’ top line every night.”
The NCDC wishes Lucas Di Chiara and the Jersey Hitmen the very best of luck in the 2024-25 season.
