| Cruz Lucius | NTDP U18 | USHL | R | RW | 6’0″ | 177 | Grant, MN | 2004 | 2021-2022: B |
Ian Moran’s Thoughts: Lucius is a very creative and highly skilled right shot forward who did not have the season we were expecting offensively. Well that all changed over his final 10 games when he finished with 11 points including at the U18 World’s when he finished with 7 points in 6 games. It will be interesting to see where he ends up after decommitting from Minnesota, but if word gets out that he’s thinking of going major junior expect his draft value to jump.
USHL: Weekend #4, October 27, 2021: Lucius is a very sneaky and deceptive player. At times to me, he looks like he’s out of the play and not involved until he gets the puck and makes about four other players miss. During his games, he consistently will slip the puck under guys but also has the ability to stickhandle outside of his comfortable space. Hell flip pucks over defenders sticks and put it between his legs, basically he’s willing to try anything to get to the net. Because if he has a grade A chance, most of the time for Lucius, it’s going in. Grade: A-
USA U17 NTDP vs Soo Eagles. Two Games, October 15, 2020: Cruz is a smooth skater with quick hands who is effective in the offensive zone as he is difficult to contain. He handles the puck very well but will find the open player and will drive to the net for a return pass or look for a rebound. He has the ability to cut back on the defender and he has 2 quick strides to beat the defender to the net. He set up his teammate on the back door for a goal and he had an opportunity on the back door as he beat his defender to the net but he failed to capitalize. He moves the puck quickly on the power play and positions himself for shooting opportunities. Grade B
U16: NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoffs, February 23, 2020: Cruz is a skilled player who plays very smart and has the vision to set up his teammates. He has quick hands who can dangle the opponent and will find the open player. He will set up his linemates as he tries to set them up first before he has to shoot. He is a strong skater with very good edge work as he handles the puck in tight quarters. He will skate the puck up ice while passing it off and will get open for a return pass at a high pace hockey. He controls the power play as he uses his vision to set up his teammates and will drive to the net looking for rebounds.
U16: Notre Dame Shootout, December 27, 2019: Lucius is a slick playmaker with a silky hands, good creativity, and a boat load of hockey IQ. Excellent patience, poise, and offensive instincts. Dangerous player in the offensive zone and makes a lot of things happen. Grade: A-
Western States Bantam Invite, September 22, 2017: The youngster player in the showcase, Cruz has exceptional playmaking skill and vision. He sees the ice so well and has the hands to weave his way through traffic before delivering a pass in the perfect location for his teammate to succeed. Benefits from playing on the right wing with his brother Chaz, but bloodline aside, they are a perfect match of playmaker and finisher. Cruz would succeed with or without Chaz on his line. High hockey sense and elite skill set. Committed to University of Minnesota 4 games: 1 goal: 10 assists
MN Bantam Elite League, August 30, 2017: Cruz was the only 2004 playing in the league and he didn’t disappoint. As you could probably guess, Chaz was smaller than most but he has elite vision and playmaking ability. He played the right wing on a line with Chaz and while he is yet to have the speed to fly around players he was patient with the puck and not afraid of taking a hit to make a play. Lacks strength to have a hard shot right now and you won’t see him shoot much anyways. We particularly liked when Cruz posted up behind the net on the power play in one game and was patient, waiting for Chaz to get open in the slot before delivering a pass through traffic right on his stick for a quick tap in goal. Cruz will likely improve quickly and adapt to the league, establishing himself as an offensive threat. Cruz will be playing on Gentry Academy ’03 team this Fall.