Three Lawrence University hockey players have signed to play for professional teams in the United States and Sweden.
Defenseman Jameson Raymond, forward Matt Hughes and forward Ben DiMarco, all 2012 Lawrence graduates, have signed pro contracts.
“This is an exciting time for the three young men and our program,” Lawrence coach Mike Szkodzinski said. “The program has grown and is respected at the professional level. Ben, Jameson and Matt have all worked extremely hard for their opportunities and most certainly are the type of young men who represent Lawrence University hockey very, very well. The coaching staff couldn’t be happier for them.”
Raymond, a native of Flint, Mich., has signed with the Knoxville Ice Bears of the Southern Professional Hockey League. Raymond was an All-Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association selection in 2011-12 after scoring three goals and adding 16 assists for 29 points. Raymond scored 18 goals and had 55 assists for 73 points in 111 career games.
Hughes, who hails from Goodrich, Mich., is playing with Hedemora SK of the Swedish Division 1. Hughes, also an All-MCHA selection in 2011-12, scored 15 goals and added 12 assists for 27 points. Hughes scored 46 goals and handed out 45 assists for 91 points in his career.
A native of Galveston, Texas, DiMarco signed with Vallentuna BK of the Swedish Division 1. DiMarco had one goal and three assists for four points this past season and finished his career with 21 goals and 28 assists for 49 points.
This trio of players was key over the past four seasons as Lawrence won 53 games, the best four-year stretch in the program’s history.
The trio of Hughes, Raymond and DiMarco join five other Lawrence players that have signed pro contracts during Szkodzinski’s tenure. Josh Peterson (Flint Generals), Nick Jennette (Huntsville Havoc), Corey Garrett (Finland), Josh DeSmit (Finland) and Billy Siers (Elmira Jackals) have all played professionally.
Lawrence opens its season on Oct. 27 at the Appleton Family Ice Center with an exhibition game against the Wisconsin Rampage.