Player Rep Profile: Lucas Condotta

Lucas Condotta is the PHPA Player Representative for the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League.  Hailing from Georgetown, Ontario, Canada, Condotta played five seasons of Junior hockey in the OJHL before spending the next four seasons in the NCAA with UMass-Lowell, where he would be named the team’s most valuable player twice and made Hockey East’s All-Academic Team on three occasions. He then signed with the Montreal Canadiens organization in 2022 and has split time between the Laval Rocket and Canadiens.  We asked Lucas the following questions…

How / why did you become a PHPA Player Representative and what are some of your roles and responsibilities?

I became the Player Rep in Laval when our previous Rep, Peter Abbandonato signed elsewhere.  I felt I knew enough about the PHPA to handle the full responsibilities.  When players come with their significant others from all parts of the world and join your team, they tend to have a lot of questions about insurance and travel costs.  That’s where I answered the most questions. If I didn’t know I would give them Paulette’s email and she always took care of it.

Why did you choose to attend UMass Lowell and what did you enjoy most about your time there?

I chose Lowell because they believed in me and I felt the coaching staff could get the most out of me and my style of play. I enjoyed every aspect of going to Lowell but if I had to choose one it would be my teammates and coaches.  I was able to meet a lot of great people throughout my 4 years at Lowell. 

Following your senior season at UMass, what were the circumstances that led to you signing a contract with the Laval Rocket?

I had signed with Montreal following my senior season, and they had placed me in Laval. That was an amazing experience, as we made it to the Conference Finals. I was able to play with some great players and meet some amazing people.

In 2023, you made your NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens and scored on your first shift. What memory stands out from that day and what did you take away from that experience?

That day was crazy, I think just the fact that I was able to play a game in the NHL was surreal. It was a crazy feeling that I will always remember. It’s a day I will never take for granted that’s for sure.

Having grown up in Georgetown, Ontario, have you had any difficulties playing hockey and living in a predominantly French speaking province? 

Not at all. Me and my family love it here. We stay through the summer.  We are treated with a lot of respect and I have no complaints.

What’s your favourite thing to do in your free time?

I would say spend time with my daughter Codie. She’s only 4 ½ months old so everyday she’s doing something new and I don’t want to miss it.

You were named Captain in your senior season at UMass Lowell and are now an Assistant Captain in Laval.  How would you describe your leadership style and what do you think you have done to earn the letters on your jersey?

I don’t really think about leadership styles, I more just try to be inclusive to everyone around me and help them feel comfortable so they can reach their full potential. I think my best attribute is positivity.  Not taking for granted the opportunity we all have to live our dreams every day. To make sure the guys don’t lose sight of that.

Who is the funniest teammate you have played with in either college or pro?

Nicolas Beaudin and Riley McKay, both in Laval.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I personally don’t have any crazy rituals.

Who was your favorite hockey player growing up and why?  Did you try to model your game after that player?

Favourite player growing up is Darcy Tucker. He was a Toronto legend, and I was able to get to know him over the years. Always played extremely hard and wore his heart on his sleeve. I try to be most like him.

What is your favourite sport to play and/or watch other than hockey?

I love watching football and playing golf.