Lucas Benavides '25 Recruiting Profile

My first experience on the ice was at the age of 5 and from that moment on I knew  I wanted to play hockey!  I practiced relentlessly to conquer the art of skating  and it all started to come together after much determination and perseverance!  I then started to learn the actual game by watching endless videos and games focusing on technique and skill.  I proudly display the number “87” on my own jersey shadowing my favorite hockey player, Sidney Crosby,  who continues to be an inspiration for me!  At the age of 6, I joined the Miami Toros and played for them for 8 years,  winning SAHOF in the 10U Division.  I then joined the Florida Fury at the age of 14 winning SAHOF once again in the 16U Division.  After Joining the high school team for Miami Dade as a freshman, I was chosen to play in the all-star game, went on to score the winning goal and was chosen as the MVP of the championship game. I currently have the most goals scored in my high school division, notwithstanding the fact of being placed on defense, which is not my regular position.  It has also been an honor for me to have been invited to play for the Caribbean and Central American teams in the Amerigol tournaments in 2019, 2022 and 2023 giving me the opportunity to meet players from other countries!  I continue to play for the Florida Fury in the 18UAA division and have been very fortunate to have had incredible coaches throughout my years of playing hockey. This  year I have had the privilege of playing under the guidance of  2 exceptional coaches, Jason Shoats and ex NHL player Ed Jovanovski for the Florida Fury.  I value my coaches tremendously and appreciate how pivotal  they have been in developing my skills during these past 12 years.  They have always  encouraged me to be the best that I can be and continue to motivate me to pursue my dream of playing collegiate hockey, as they see how genuinely disciplined , dedicated and passionate I am  about this sport, as well as being a consistent team player!  In addition to being an excellent student, I am confident that I can be an asset to any collegiate team, as I am willing to put in the time and hard work required to do so!  I steadily work out to build my stamina and run to build up my speed on the ice.  I have always been respectful of my coaches and have welcomed constructive criticism from them because I know they only  have my best interest in mind.  I look forward to continued growth and success with new coaches in the future.