Shane Lazeski - Junior Review

[Lazarus 62]

Shane Lazeski is a strongly touted prospect out of Alberta who has always dreamed of making the big leagues. Growing up in the small town of Wetaskiwin, all he knew was hockey. He played for his hometown team, The Wetaskiwin Icemen up until the age of 16. He led the team in points seven of the ten seasons that he was a part of the program. To this day he has the most career assists of any player who has ever dawned the Wetaskiwin jersey. 

 

His playmaking abilities caught the eye of the WHL and scouts had high praise for the youngster. In the 2017 bantam draft, Lazeski was selected in the 4th round, 71st overall by the Saskatoon Blades. Although scouts loved his skill on the ice, teams felt as though he didn’t have a high ceiling. His first season in the WHL had hockey fans worried about what he could become. He tallied 6 goals and 13 assists for 19 points in 47 games. Lazeski didn’t let the criticism affect him as he would enter his second season with more confidence than ever. He worked on his vision and hockey IQ during the offseason and his identity as a player was starting to take shape. His new set of skills took the WHL world by storm as he would explode for 23 goals and 78 assists for 101 points in 64 games. He would be named the Blades alternate captain midway through the season. The NHL became intrigued by the young right-winger however, Lazeski had other plans and decided to take his talents to the Victory Hockey League instead. The VHL was always something he was interested in, and with the talent higher than ever, it seemed like the perfect time to prove that he could compete with the best.      

 

Lazeski received a few offers from around the VHLM. Many of the teams were in the playoff hunt, but he decided to sign with the team that would give him the greatest opportunity, The Mexico City Kings. He played alongside some of the brightest young stars and while the team struggled, Lazeski flourished. He racked up 11 goals and 24 assists in 43 games with the Kings and looked poised to progress even further. At the end of the season, he declared for the S78 VHL Draft as a projected late second-round pick. Lazeski is motivated to become the steal of the draft and is confident as he’s always seen as an underdog.