Chaz Lucius

Chaz Lucius (born May 2, 2003) is an American professional ice hockey center for the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect to the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). Lucius was drafted in the first round, 18th overall, by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Lucius played collegiate hockey with the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the NCAA.

Playing career
Following his freshman season with Minnesota, Lucius concluded his collegiate career by signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Winnipeg Jets on April 27, 2022. Lucius began his professional career with the Jets AHL affiliate Manitoba Moose recording 5 points (2 goals and 3 assists) in 12 games. After returning from the World juniors, on January 9 Lucius was assigned to play major junior hockey for the remainder of the 2022-23 season with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL) - he was originally selected by the Winterhawks in the 2018 WHL draft (4th round; 74th overall).

Despite being assigned on January 9, due to the team being on a East Division road trip, Lucius didn't make his debut until January 20th against the Victoria Royals, recording 2 assists in a 7–6 OT win.

International play
On December 12, 2022, Lucius was named to the United States men's national junior ice hockey team to compete at the 2023 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. During the tournament he recorded five goals and two assists in seven games and won a bronze medal.

Personal life
Lucius has one younger brother, Cruz, who also plays hockey. Cruz plays as a winger for the Arizona State Sun Devils of the NCAA; he was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2022 and currently is an unsigned Pittsburgh Penguins prospect following a trade between the two teams.