Heritage hockey coach Jeremy Simms could never imagine Lucas LaBrash being a team captain.

That was few years ago, but LaBrash has changed from being a little bit of a selfish player who wasn't a team player. The four-year letterman is now the Eagles' leader and the Eagles' captain this season.

“I think I've matured a lot throughout my full four years of being here,” said LaBrash. “Even from last year I matured a lot because I had to step up. Hockey is fast-paced, aggressive and takes a lot of skill to play. I've always kind of been a playmaker but I like scoring goals too.”

He says being a team leader became easier as he got older.

“It wasn't tough,” he answered when asked about how tough it was to become a leader. “I just had to grow up. I said, `It is my senior year and I have to take control of the team.' Everyone on the team is your friend but sometimes you have to be hard with them whether or not they are going to like what you are saying.”

Key stats:

LaBrash had five points in seven games before sustaining a knee injury requiring surgery.

Coach's take:

“He's got great scoring skills and good touch with the puck. His big thing is putting a lot of pucks on the net. He gets right around the net. He's a good solid player. He's helping run our power play because he is the guy we want handling the puck. It's been a great experience watching his growth into the hockey player he's become.”

Jeremy Simms

Heritage hockey coach

Q&A with Lucas Labrash

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Joe Sakic. He coached me when I was little and he's just a good role model.

What would be a perfect performance in your sport?

Score two goals, get an assist and get a win.

What is your favorite class in school and why?

Got to go with gym. It's the only class I get to be moving in during the day.

Who or what makes you excel?

My parents (Katie and Scott) for sure.

What do you like to do away from sports and school?

I'm pretty active. I wakeboard, snowboard and play golf. I'm decent at golf but not competitive.

What are your plans after high school?

I want to go to CSU and try out for their Division II hockey team and see where it goes from there.

What is most important on a power play?

Moving around the puck fast and knowing where you are going to pass even before you get the puck, having your head up and getting ready to make a play. Shooting the puck is a big part. Once you get an open shot you have to take it.

How essential is it for a hockey player to be defensive minded?

The defensive zone is just as important if not more than the offense. It is easy to score goals but it's not easy to stop the scoring.