Always A Viking: Finnegan Samas Anchors Defense For Orland Park 18U

Finnegan Samas, an offensive defenseman, skates for the Orland Park Vikings 18U team – continuing his run with the same hockey home since he was a mite.

Playing his whole career for the Vikings was worth it, he said, “because I have made many friends and some of those kids I have known for six or seven years and still play with them.” He added, “It also taught me how to adapt to playing with new kids and situations. During all my years playing for the same club, teammates come and go, you just have to roll with it and adjust.”

Samas, 17, grew up in New Lenox and recently moved to Schererville, Ind. He is a senior at Lake Central High School, a left-handed shooter in jersey No. 27. Samas played ADM for the Jr. Fury when he was learning to skate, then moved to the Vikings.

His 16U season, Samas made the all-star team and multiple times he earned playmaker awards.

“I love to make plays anywhere on the ice,” said Samas, who tagged his older brothers as influential on his career, “because I grew up going to so many of their games.

“Attending their games allowed me to see the ice differently and make smarter decisions.”

Such as, scoring on a shootout, which he’s done for his personal hockey highlight.

“It’s been good so far; everyone gets along really well, (which) helps us on the ice,” he said. “If everyone stays healthy and we keep working together as a team, we have an extremely high chance of making it far, in state or (at) nationals.

“A big strength (of this year’s team) is that we are all good friends and everyone gets along, so that will help us go farther. We also have kids from everywhere with different playing styles and we are learning from each other.”

The Vikings team bonding this season started pre-season at a lake house, he said. “That was a really good bonding experience and everyone had a great time,” he said.

“I think I have become smarter offensively and a lot more protective of the puck (this season).”

Vikings hockey director Nick Pollos said Samas, “brings a tenacious work ethic” to the team’s defensive core. “He shines in multiple areas, (including) power play, penalty kill and even strength.”

Pollos added: “Samas is a strong skater with good ice awareness; he can carry the puck out of trouble and is good down low in the defensive zone.”

Samas also has a season of varsity lacrosse experience – and each sport helps the other.

“Hockey helps me with lacrosse because a lacrosse shot is similar to a hockey shot, so during the hockey season shooting pucks transfers to lacrosse. Also, my endurance on the ice transfers to the field,” Samas said. “Lacrosse helps me stay in shape and on my feet. We do a lot of conditioning and though it’s tough, it plays a big role in staying in shape. It also helps with my hand-to-eye coordination and knowing where to be and when to be there.”

Samas’ hockey journey also has been helped by his commitment in the weight room. For the past three years, he has gone to the gym three to five days a week. “His commitment in the weightroom does not go unnoticed,” Pollos said. “He is one of the best teammates I’ve ever coached, always looking for ways to help and support his teammates; he is a selfless player.

“Finn is one of those players that every coach wants on his team.”

Samas added: “Being friends with everyone on the team and being able to communicate with all of them helps me be a better teammate,” said Samas, whose hockey superstition drives him to change his stick’s tape before every game.

“I go on runs every once in a while, and I think that helps me keep my endurance up,” he said. “I also try to eat as healthy as I can to maintain a healthy diet; that helps me stay in good shape as well.”

Slapshots With…. Vikings 18U Defenseman Finnegan Samas

Working: He works two or three days a week at an Italian restaurant.
Long-term Goals: “To become a firefighter as soon as I turn 18 and eventually move somewhere warmer out of state.”
Hobbies: I love to hang out with my buddies from school and hockey. I also like golfing, wake surfing, and any other water sports.”
Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Favorite NHL Player: Jonathan Toews
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: The Sandlot
Favorite TV Show: Suits
Motivational Song: Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin
Favorite Pre-game Meal: Eggs and avocado toast
Favorite app: Instagram
Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Sydney Sweeney