Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this article are solely those of Matt Carey and do not reflect the opinions of Wisconsin Prep Hockey or its partners.
If you drive north of Wausau on Highway 51 you enter what many people living in southern Wisconsin refer to as up north. In the heart of up north is Tomahawk, a town with a population of approximately 3,500.
Tomahawk High School has an enrollment of 353. Despite its low enrollment, Tomahawk is competitive with any WIAA team, and they are currently ranked #1 in D-2.
A key component of Tomahawk’s recent success is the play of senior defenseman Austin Lamer. The Hatchets team captain was WHCA First Team All-State last season after leading Tomahawk in points and guiding them to their first trip to the WIAA state tournament in nearly four decades.
The goal this season is to build off last season’s experience at WIAA state. The Hatchets want to take it one notch higher and bring home a championship. Lamer and his teammates are no strangers to success. They won three straight WAHA state championships in youth hockey.
“Austin has been the driving force for many years not just on his team, but the entire organization. His commitment to skill development, his leadership, and competitive spirit are what separates him as one of the best in Wisconsin. I have watched him consistently show that no matter what team he is on, he embraces his role, produces, and makes that team better. It has been my privilege to be his coach, and I wholeheartedly support him as he continues his hockey career.” Dewey Reilly, head coach, Tomahawk High School
“Austin has very good vision and makes the right decision with the puck in our own end. He finishes checks, knows when to step up on a play and when to back off. He has an accurate shot and was able to provide some offense for us later in the fall. He is a soft-spoken leader for us on defense.” Mike Schwengler, head coach, Team Wisconsin U18 Elite League
Let’s hear from Austin Lamer!
Congratulations on the Tomahawk Hatchets #1 ranking. Thank you!
Last year Tomahawk made state but lost in the semi-final to New Richmond..do you feel like you have unfinished business? I feel we definitely have unfinished business. Most of our team is back, plus we have some strong freshmen.
How is your senior season going? It’s been really fun. It’s shaping up to be a great year. The team wants to get it done this year. We have the personnel to do it, so we just need to get it done.
When did you start playing hockey? I started when I was 4 or 5.
Where did you play youth hockey? Tomahawk.
In April you represented Wisconsin in the HP NIT Tournament…how was that experience? It was really fun. It was good exposure to scouts, and I got to meet some good players from around the state.
What was it like playing in the Elite League in the fall? It was really fun. High intensity hockey with lots of exposure to scouts.
Did anyone in your family play hockey? No, I am the first one. My brothers are following me. I have three younger brothers.
What is your favorite hockey memory? It would be between in youth hockey the three-peat (three consecutive WAHA state championships) or making it to WIAA state last year.
What is your pregame ritual? I like to get to the rink anywhere from one hour & 15 minutes to an hour & one half before the game. I get to the rink, tape my stick, listen to my music and dial in to prepare myself for success.
What hockey skills do you have that separate you from the competition? My lockdown taking rushes (one on ones and two on ones), and my ability to create plays in the offensive zone.
Is there an NHL player you model your game after? Cale Makar.
Who is the most influential person in your life? My parents for all the support they have given to me. And my dad is always researching and finding ways to make me better.
What is the plan for hockey after high school? I want to play juniors somewhere.
What do you want to do for your career? Something in finance.
Do you play any other sports? I play golf for Tomahawk High School.
What do you enjoy doing in addition to sports? Wake surfing and spending time on the lake, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting.
What is your favorite food? Any cut of steak, or grilled salmon.
Do you have a favorite restaurant for steak? No restaurant. My dad makes the best steaks on the grill.
What is your favorite music group or type of music? Country and rap. Treaty Oak Revival.
Where is your dream vacation? Hawaii.
Chocolate cake, brownie, or apple pie? Brownie.
Pickup truck or sports car? Pickup truck, GMC Denali.
Final thoughts? I want to thank all my coaches, teammates, parents, and brothers for all they have done for me in my hockey career.
Best wishes to Austin Lamer!
Yours for hockey, Matt Carey