Liam Lane is playing his third year of junior hockey in 2024-25 for the EHL’s New York Apple Core and will stay out east for the 2025-26 season.

Recently, the 2004-born goaltender from Castle Rock committed to NCAA Division III Western Connecticut State for the fall of 2025.

Lane has played 18 games this season for Apple Core, posting a .908 save percentage and keeping his team in each game.

“I am so happy for Liam,” said Apple Core head coach and general manager Conall McNelis. “He’s been our best player all year. He’s an absolute gamer in the net and is a great leader in the room. He’s earned every bit of this, and I can’t wait to watch him succeed at West Conn next year.”

Lane will join several other EHL alumni at West Conn next season, including current teammate Tyler Gobel, Ryan Teehan from the New England Wolves, and Jordan Blais from the Vermont Lumberjacks. The program, led by head coach Doug Friedman, is building a strong foundation as it continues to attract talent from the EHL.

“Committing to play NCAA Division III hockey means the world to me,” said Lane. “College hockey has always been a major goal, and reaching it is such a rewarding milestone after all the hard work I’ve put in. Playing for Apple Core and in the EHL has been an incredible experience. Being a leader on this team has allowed me to develop skills that not only help my teammates reach their goals, but also prepare me for what’s ahead. What stands out about the EHL is how much they value every player.

“You feel like an important piece of the puzzle, not just another name on a massive roster, which makes this journey even more meaningful.”

From 2022-24, Lane played in the USPHL for the Hampton Roads Whalers.

During his youth hockey days, Lane played for the Littleton Hawks, Colorado Kodiaks, Colorado Thunderbirds, Evolution Elite Hockey, Krivo School of Hockey Elite, Foothills Flyers and Rocky Mountain RoughRiders.

Photo/Edward Jacobs

— Matt Mackinder

(December 1, 2024)