When Maroons Can Play, Anthony Lucarelli Will Be Ready

It’s been a long offseason, a very long offseason for most.

For Chatham’s Anthony Lucarelli, who was looking forward to hitting the ice as a member of his hometown Chatham Maroons for his rookie Junior season, it’s felt like an eternity.

But like many dedicated athletes, he’s used the time to get stronger, and stay ready.

“It was a long summer, but in the summer I was in the gym four times a week with Athletes Fuel and in July I was skating in Komoka twice a week. Then in August and September I was on the ice twice a week in Blenheim.”

Then, just as Memorial Arena was set to open, and the Chatham Maroons could step onto home ice again, the organization announced they would be postponing all practices and skates.

So the offseason continues.

“It’s pretty disappointing that by now we usually would be on the ice, but all we can do is hope for the best and that everyone is staying safe.”

Whenever that does happen, Lucarelli, who was a longtime member of the Chatham-Kent Cyclones before playing for the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs last season, will be filled with excitement to pull on a Maroons jersey.

“I’m very excited to play for my hometown team. I grew up watching them as a kid and can’t wait to put the uniform on and play,” he said.

As for what Maroons fans can expect to see from Lucarelli? They’ll get a taste of 49 points in 45 regular season and playoff games last season, which was enough to get the local product drafted in the 2nd round, 39th overall by the London Knights in the OHL’s U18 Draft.

“I think they will see a two-way player who creates offensive chances and protects the defensive end also,” Lucarelli said of what Maroons fans can expect. “I’m a big body who likes to be physical and crash the net looking for loose pucks. Can’t wait to get started and hopefully they like what they see.”