TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Scott Luca is the epitome of a two-way defenseman for the Traverse City Hounds.

Need a defensive stop in the last minute of play? Luca’s out there.

Need a big goal on the power play? Again, look to Luca.

The 20-year-old Kalkaska, Mich., native is enjoying his third and final Midwest Junior Hockey League season with the Hounds after starting this year at Aquinas College, but returned to juniors to seek other opportunities next season.

Luca was named the MWJHL Defenseman of the Month for December and just this past Tuesday, was tabbed Defenseman of the Week after the Hounds took two of three on the road against the Detroit Fighting Irish. Luca tallied a goal and an assist in the two Traverse City wins last Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

Having already clinched first overall for the third season in a row, Luca is looking at a strong finish this year with an eye on a third straight Veteran’s Memorial Cup playoff crown.

“The team this year has good potential and works hard,” Luca said. “We move the puck better than last year and we have a lot of patience. TC has always been the perfect town for hockey and the crowds are awesome. We treat the game more serious than any other team and we put forth the effort needed to succeed and to be the best.”

Luca has tallied seven goals and 24 points in 22 games for Traverse City this season.

Aging out at the end of this season, Luca will undoubtedly have options for next year.

“Next year is still unknown for me,” said Luca. “I don't know if I want to try again with a college team or if I can go pro. I just have to wait and see and keep working hard.”

The Fighting Irish visits Centre ICE this weekend for two games – 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. The Hounds (36-3-1-2) then wrap up the regular season with a home-and-home series with the Alpena Flyers on Friday, March 6, with a 7 p.m. game at Centre ICE and then in Alpena at Northern Lights Arena at 2:05 p.m. on Sunday, March 8.

By virtue of finishing first overall, the Hounds have received a bye for the first round of the playoffs and will open at home for the semifinals against a to-be-determined team on Friday, March 20.

All games will be broadcast on www.fasthockey.com.

Photo/Rich Meuser