YOUR Renegades were very excited to add Lucas Lombardi to the roster through the 2025 GMHL Draft.

The young defenceman knows he’ll be stepping into a league full of older, more experienced players — but that’s exactly what drives him.

“My hopes for the upcoming season are really about learning and gaining experience,” Lombardi said. “I’m a younger guy, so being around players who’ve been through it will help me grow. In the next two or three years, I want to be ahead of the curve for my age. Of course, a championship would be nice too!”

Lombardi describes himself as a hard-working player with good hockey sense. He also knows there’s room for growth under the watchful eye of coach Darryl Lloyd..

“Right now, I’m focused on improving my gap control and not lunging too much,” Lombardi said. “In younger leagues, I could play tight and be aggressive with my stick, but in junior, you get burned if you overextend. The guys are just too skilled and fast.”

Lombardi’s passion for the game isn’t new. One of his favourite memories dates back to his U13 year when his team captured both the GTHL and OHF championships.

“That whole season was special,” Lombardi recalled. “It was such a tight-knit group, and to win both titles — nothing beats that feeling.”

Behind every young athlete is a support system, and for Lucas, it starts at home.

“Definitely my parents,” he said when asked who has helped him the most during his hockey career. “They’ve been by my side the whole way, giving me opportunities and keeping things positive. I’m so grateful for them.”

When he’s not on the ice, Lombardi is just like many other teenagers. He loves hitting the gym, skiing in the winter, playing golf in the summer, and unwinding by playing video games with friends.

Looking beyond hockey, Lombardi has set some important goals.

“Short-term, I want to go to university,” he said. “Long-term, I want to be a well-rounded person and give back to my family for everything they’ve done for me.”

With a clear head, a humble heart, and a relentless drive, Lombardi isn’t just thinking about the next game — he’s planning for a future that’s as bright off the ice as it is on it.

Welcome to the team, Lucas! You are now #unitedinred