Seacoast Spartans goaltender Jakob Wepman has committed to NCAA Division III Lake Forest College for the 2021-22 season.

The 2000-born native of Studio City spent just a single season in the Eastern Hockey League and in 21 total starts for the Spartans, Wepman posted a record of 11-10-0 with a 3.38 GAA and a .911 save percentage.

“’Wep’ really took the reins this season,” said Spartans coach-GM Brett Tryder. “When he was playing aggressively, he was the best goalie in the EHL. It was clear to see that Jakob was a freak athlete from Day 1 of camp. He has incredible control of his body and tracks the puck extremely well. I love the campus and school at Lake Forest, and I can’t wait to follow Wep’s career in the NCHA.”

As Tryder mentioned, Wepman took over the net as the season progressed, and look no further for proof than the second-round playoff series against the New Hampshire Avalanche. Wepman made 75 saves in a pair of victories that knocked off the top seed in the North Division.

“I truly feel that I was able to take my game to the next level while at Seacoast,” said Wepman. “The coaching staff along with the excellent facilities provided the environment I needed to develop as a player. I created lasting relationships with my teammates. Despite the challenges presented by the COVID pandemic, I had a superb experience with the Spartans, both on and off the ice. Coach Tryder has been a generous advocate and I remain grateful for his guidance.”

Wepman went on to talk about his decision to choose Lake Forest for the next step in his journey.

“I am very excited about my opportunities at Lake Forest College this coming fall,” said Wepman. “I had hoped to compete at the collegiate level and further my education, and I am grateful to Lake Forest for providing me the chance to do so. I look forward to being a part of the Lake Forest community for the next four years.”

During his youth hockey career, Wepman played for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks.

Photo/Seacoast Spartans

— EHL Staff

(August 18, 2021)