Lucas Koeppen Driven To Succeed On The Ice, In The Classroom

By Ross Forman
Lucas Koeppen, a center who has played two seasons for Team Illinois after skating for the Vipers, has many hockey memories and milestones, though just a 13-year-old eighth grader at Bristol Elementary School. Just consider:

•    A state championship with TI;
•    Multiple tournament wins with the Vipers and TI;
•    He once scored a game-winning goal against the Admirals with :07 left in a game;
•    He also scored an overtime game-winning goal against a Manitoba team during a Minnesota tournament; and, he added:
•    “Playing against high-tier teams (across) the nation.”

Koeppen, who lives in Kenosha, Wisc., sports jersey No. 13 and brings a fast, smart and attacking approach to the rink.

“My speed helps me get out of tight situations, support my defensemen on the backcheck and is hard to handle for opponents when I’m at top speed,” Koeppen said. “I feel like I’m flying out there, play after play, shift after shift.

“(Speed on the ice) helps me get around players with more time to focus on the next play I need to make; it gives me tons of chances to bury the puck in the net and it allows me to be a strong back-checker who will get back and help my defensemen.”

Koeppen brings a drive and solid competitive approach to the sport – in practice and games. “I always put 100 percent (effort) when I step on that ice. I spend quality time before games thinking about necessities I will need to bring to the table to be successful,” he said. 

His love for the game and passion to follow his hockey dream is his motivation.

Next fall, Koeppen is driven to “stay more consistent with my points and start becoming the leader I need to be for my team and the program.”

Away from the rink, Koeppen is a straight-A student. “(You) always need to be putting in effort and driving towards excellence,” he said. 

He balances academics with athletics by “always planning to get schoolwork done” and making sure he’s ready for hockey.

And Koeppen has certainly shined on the ice, such as, a flashy game-tying assist against the Chicago Reapers, which led to a five-hole goal.

Slapshots With … Team Illinois center Lucas Koeppen

Off The Ice: Enjoys track, playing outside with friends and spending time with family
It Helps: Conditioning in track, stretching before practices/games 
Superstitions On The Ice: “Skate around both of the faceoff circles quickly before bringing it in with the team.” 
Long-term Career Goals: “Become an elite prospect on the scouting radar, continue to develop all of my skills to be the absolute best player I can become.”
Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Favorite NHL Player: Patrick Kane
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Miracle
Favorite TV Show: Young Sheldon
Motivational Song: Two Princes by Spin Doctors
Favorite Pre-game Meal: Chicken Parmesan
Favorite app: Amazon Music
Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Connor McDavid