Jacob Lemery has been a huge part of the 8-1 Ice Cats hockey success this year. 

“He has grown a lot from freshman year to sophomore and is a solid teammate. Jacob brings a hard work ethic to the team and the will to learn and get better each day and be better before each game,” Ice Cats Head Coach Wayne Neiman said. 

Jacob is a winger on a forward line and has 4 points in 7 games. He scored his first varsity goal in game against the Trailblazers. He has 3 assists on season.

“That first goal has made him hungry for more and I see him becoming stronger as year goes on,” Coach Neiman said. “He has worked a lot in off-season on being more aggressive, his hockey IQ and work ethic. Jacob finds what he does well and fills voids on the team.”

The result has been a huge plus for the Ice Cats, who are currently ranked Number 6 in Class A hockey. The Cats, consisting of players from Lake Region, Fryeburg Academy and Oxford Hills, are on a seven-game win streak, including victories over Class B Gardiner (5-4) and five-school co-op Maranacook, Winthrop, Spruce Mountain, Hall-Dale and Lawrence (7-3). The Cats edged fellow “A” competitor St. Dom’s (3-2).  

In recognition of his strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Jacob is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

Athlete Profile: Jacob Lemery

Residence: Naples

Year in School: Sophomore 

Parents: Denise and Katie

Sports you play: Lacrosse and hockey

Why did you choose hockey? In fourth grade, I was actually asked by a friend (Kolbie Kaeser) to play hockey. My mom was a little scared and I didn’t know a lot about the game. I went to the rink and skated around a little and fell in love with the game. I went to learn to skate and got better. Seven years later, here I am playing varsity with the leading goal scorers in the state.

What do you enjoy most about hockey? I enjoy how much you bond, you crack jokes in the locker room and you make each other laugh. When you go out onto the ice, you always have each other’s back. We are all family. We congratulate each other and do big cellys. It’s just a big family. 

How has competing in sports changed you as a person? Sports change a lot about a person. They learn how to work as a team and how to be self-disciplined. Sports also give you a lot of confidence. You can go out and see someone bigger than you and know that you can take them, it’s all about your mindset. Hockey has also taught me to keep my mouth shut and be the bigger person.  For example, you may get a cheap shot or someone says something you don’t like. Let me tell you, the ref always sees the retaliation so you have to keep your head up and be the better person when that happens. 

During this period of Covid-19, what has been the most difficult adjustment?The most difficult part would be that there are so many restrictions. The mask is not very fun to wear when you are giving your 110%, but I think that the worst part is that we do not get to do as many things, as in we do not get many fans and rinks like USM that are requiring the shots or a negative test is a hassle. It is a lot better than last year though. 

What is one of your most memorable sports moments? I have many moments that I will always remember. The one I am going to pick for this one is probably my first varsity goal. It was a pretty sweet goal and all my teammates were there and we celebrated. I got the game puck, which was pretty cool. 

What is your most disappointing sports memory? This year, I would say it was the game versus Mt. Ararat, but last year, it was my first goal in high school hockey. It was a JV game and it was against Mt. Ararat and I managed to slip away with the puck and score, but right after that, I was hit from behind and slammed my head into the boards. I ended up with a concussion and had to sit out for a bit. 

How has sports prepared you for your future? I hope that maybe my future has to do with sports. Even if it is a step above the beer league, no offense to the beer league. A big wish is ECHL but that would be a lot to ask for. Even if I do not get to have sports as my career, I feel like my work ethic, self-discipline, and team-working ability would give me many options. 

Name a coach who has made a difference in your life? I have many coaches throughout my years that have made a statement in my hockey career. Coach Metcalf and Luke Kaeser were my first coaches and they really made me fall in love with the game. Coach Grant was also a great coach even though I don’t know how he kept up with me sometimes. Then, there’s Coach Neiman, who has really evolved my game and made me way better. He has believed in me for two years now and has never given up on me. I hope one day it pays off. 

What are your future goals? For sports, I am going to win States this year and try to keep at least a three-year record on it. I am going to hope to maybe get a scholarship and get into a college to play some hockey. If that doesn’t work, I hope to start my own business in power sports or cars. 

Ten years from now, when you look back on your high school sports career, what do you think you will remember most? I think I am going to remember the team bonding. The bus rides, the locker room conversations, sitting on the bench cracking jokes. I am really going to remember the time when we win States this year — knock on wood.