![Image of Alex Debrincat '15 courtesy of The Chicago Tribune]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1627058595/lakeforest/d0lfylbqmklabaopbvo1/Alex_Debrincat.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1627058595/lakeforest/d0lfylbqmklabaopbvo1/Alex_Debrincat.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1627058595/lakeforest/d0lfylbqmklabaopbvo1/Alex_Debrincat.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1627058595/lakeforest/d0lfylbqmklabaopbvo1/Alex_Debrincat.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1627058595/lakeforest/d0lfylbqmklabaopbvo1/Alex_Debrincat.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1627058595/lakeforest/d0lfylbqmklabaopbvo1/Alex_Debrincat.jpg","width":1800}])
Lake Forest Academy caught up recently with Alex DeBrincat ’16, left-wing and alternate captain for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He starred on the 2013-2014 LFA hockey team before entering the Ontario Hockey League.
Alex discussed what he has been doing this summer, his hopes for the 2021-2022 NHL season, and the impact LFA had on him as a person and player.
LFA: Alex, what have you been up to this summer?
Alex: I’ve spent most of the summer in Commerce Township, Michigan. It’s been a busy summer working out getting ready for the season. I’ve been skating three to four times a week in addition to my other off-season workouts. Our preseason starts in September so I’ve been getting my body in playing shape. I’ve also been playing a little bit of golf.
I’ve also spent this summer getting ready for our wedding, which is next week. We are really excited to celebrate with our family and friends.
LFA: What are your hopes for the upcoming NHL season?
Alex: We hope to build on some of our successes from last season. I think we exceeded expectations though we didn’t make the playoffs, which is always one of our goals. We have a ton of talented players returning and players that can help make a difference for our team.
We obviously want to make the playoffs, but our main goal is to win the Stanley Cup for the city of Chicago. Anything short of that isn’t a successful season.
LFA: What impact has LFA had on you as a person and hockey player? How often do you get back to campus?
Alex: As a person, LFA had a huge impact on me. I moved away from home at such a young age and lived away from my family and friends. I had to grow up pretty quickly. I had to learn to live on my own and fend for myself in many ways. Like all student-athletes, I had to develop my own schedule for homework and working out. I had a lot of support from the faculty, staff, and coaches at LFA on the adjustment to being on my own for the first time.
On the ice, my time at LFA really helped me develop into the player I am today. Having a rink on campus and being able to skate and practice every day was huge for my development as a player. Coach Madeley was huge in my development. He pushed me to be a better player, competitor, and teammate.
Before COVID-19, I would try to get back campus once or twice a year to see Coach Madeley and old teachers. I also really enjoy speaking to the current students and getting to know them.