It’s a season for change for Sam Lee, a four-year varsity player who lives in Orland Park and is a senior at Carl Sandburg High School.

Lee, 18, is a left-handed shooting left wing for the new D230 Saints, an IHSHL West co-op team of students from Andrew High School in Tinley Park, Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, Homewood Flossmoor High School in Flossmoor, Stagg High School in Palos Hills and Tinley Park High School in Tinley Park.

Lee played the last three seasons for the Sandburg Eagles.

“(The Eagles) merged with the Cobras to form the Saints Hockey Club. It’s strange how different it feels now as a senior compared to freshman year. Back then, walking into the locker room (was) intimidating, but now it feels natural to get ready with the team before a game,” said Lee, in uniform No. 53.

“I remember watching our goalie my freshman year. Seeing him make crazy saves and the intensity he brought to warmups inspired me to push harder. Win or lose, Matt Ogean’s passion and dedication to the team motivated me to give my best every game.”

Lee formerly skated for the Orland Park Vikings and Birmingham Rangers (in Michigan). He was voted by his teammates and coaches for the Sportsmanship Award last year.

“I like to make quick plays and aggressively forecheck to force turnovers. I think quick, powerful shifts are essential to my style, which allows me to give 100 percent on the ice,” Lee said. “Whatever I do, I like to rush the puck and capitalize on any opportunity given to me.

“I usually play defense, but this year I’m excited to play forward and put 100 percent of my energy into each game—not just for myself, but for my teammates, too. Since it’s my last year of high school hockey, I’m focused on having fun, especially at our tournaments in Minnesota and Florida.”

Lee credits Demons coach Cal Burkhart as a “huge influence” on his career, particularly with his push to work hard for the love of the game. “Each practice, he pushes us to be the best version of ourselves, not just to win, but also to have fun,” Lee said. “Whenever I have a question about a play, he patiently explains the purpose behind the drill so I can translate it into real games.”

Lee also acknowledges his dad, Joonwoo Lee: “Whenever I hit a slump, he gives me pep talks to boost my confidence,” he said. “If I needed extra help, he didn’t hesitate to sign me up for private lessons or drive me to rinks so I could practice new drills. Without him, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.”

Slapshots With … D230 Saints Forward Sam Lee

Off The Ice: “Visualization helps me prepare—I imagine the plays I’ll make. Sleep is also huge. If I get proper rest the night before (a game), I notice a clear difference: my plays are sharper, my skating is faster and everything on the ice feels more natural.”

Little-known Fact: “I’ve worked with numerous private skating coaches since I was young. That training really helps me with edgework during games.”

Long-term Goals: “I hope to keep playing hockey in college. Professionally, my goal is to attend medical school and become a psychiatrist.”

Hobbies: Listening to Christian music, running and watching movies with friends.

Hockey Highlight: “In eighth grade, one of my first games as a Viking went into overtime, and I scored the game-winning goal.”

Last Season: “I don’t recall one favorite game, but I clearly remember playing against Neuqua Valley and (doing) really well. I didn’t rack up many assists or goals, but I skated as fast as I could, blocked shots and threw hits left and right. That game, I wasn’t overthinking—I just played instinctively to the best of my ability.”

This Season: “I’m pumped to play with my teammates and make a lot of great memories.”

Favorite NHL Team: Detroit Red Wings

Favorite NHL Player: Connor McDavid

Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Miracle on Ice

Favorite TV Show: Money Heist

Pre-game Meal: Eggs and rice

Favorite App: Instagram

Celebrity You’d Like to Meet: Keanu Reeves – “He seems like a genuine, thoughtful person.”

Even My Teammates May Be Surprised to Learn: “I had a research internship at the University of Chicago this (past) summer.”

Favorite High School Uniform (other than Demons): Glenbrook South