Eli Lauren knew after the 2024-25 season that he wanted to play junior hockey but needed to find the right opportunity.

Earlier this summer, the Parker native got that chance, signing with the NA3HL’s Texas RoadRunners.

“The opportunity to sign with the RoadRunners came through a connection I had with a former coach,” said Lauren. “He heard about my interest in playing juniors and informed me about the team’s interest in signing a new goalie. Around the same time, another team I had been in contact with in the NAHL/NA3HL spoke highly of my abilities and work ethic, which helped the RoadRunners’ staff with their decision to sign me.

“What appeals to me about the RoadRunners and the NA3 is the opportunity to compete at a higher level and continue developing my game. The league is competitive and well-structured and it’s a great move for me to advance. Moving to Texas is a big deal for me because it will be the first time I’m away from home for this long.”

Growing up, Lauren played for the Arapahoe Warriors and Littleton Hawks, finishing his youth hockey days in 2024-25 with the Hawks.

“This past season was important for my development because I matured a lot and facing over 400 shots in 15 league games really helped develop good habits and conditioning,” Lauren said. “I think my first year at Littleton (2023-24) was the biggest season in terms of development. I went from playing on a low ‘B’ team the year before to playing for a team that was competing for the No. 1 seed in the league. I was the starting goalie after our first tournament and my coach had lots of expectations for me from then on. That season, we were the only team to beat the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.”

During his younger years, Lauren said he “got started in hockey because it runs in the family.”

“My dad and older brother both played, so I was around the game from a young age and always wanted to be part of it,” said Lauren. “I became a goalie in Squirts because I thought it looked like more fun, and honestly, at the time, I thought it meant less skating. I quickly fell in love with the position and stuck with it.

“My coach Shawn Rafferty has had the biggest influence on me. He was my head coach during the 2023-24 season at Littleton. His goal was not just to win, but to turn boys into respectful young adults. Every time we stepped onto the ice or into the airport for trips, he held us to a level of professionalism that you see from your favorite NHL players.”

Moving forward, Lauren wants to find success in all he does, both on and off the ice.

“In the short term, my goal in hockey is to continue developing my skills, especially at the junior level,” Lauren said. “I want to compete consistently, improve my game every day, and contribute to our success this season. In school, my short-term goal is to stay on top of my academics and keep building strong habits that will set me up for the future.

“Long term, I’d like to continue playing at a higher level, whether that’s college hockey or a higher level of juniors, and use the game as a platform to grow as a person. Outside of hockey, I want to pursue a career in aerospace engineering.”

Photo/Craig Fletcher

— Matt Mackinder

(August 16, 2025)