UMass Lowell Athletics

AS A SOPHOMORE (2024-2025): Appeared in 36 games for the River Hawks in his sophomore campaign, recording five goals with a career-high 11 assists for a career-high 16 points … Scored one power-play goal with one game-winning goal ... Blocked 25 total shots... Picked up his first point of the year, scoring a goal against Minnesota Duluth (10/12) ... Collected his first assist of the year against Colgate (10/18) … Scored game-winning goal in overtime at Holy Cross (11/1) … Given the Coaches’ Perseverance Award at the team’s annual awards banquet for his unrelenting determination and drive displayed throughout the season.

AS A FRESHMAN (2023-24): Appeared in all 36 games for the River Hawks ... Scored five goals with 10 assists for 15 points ... Led all freshman in each scoring category ... Ranked third on the team in assists and points ... Ranked fifth on the team in goals ... Ranked second on the team in faceoff win percentage at .510 ... Blocked a total of 22 shots ... Collected first collegiate point with an assist in a 2-1 victory at Alaska Anchorage (10/08) ... Earned an assist in each game of the Turkey Leg Classic against Bentley and Army (11/24 & 11/25) ... Buried first collegiate goal at Holy Cross (12/09) ... Tallied two two-point games (02/16 vs. Northeastern & 03/02 at Massachusetts) ... Was named Rookie of the Year at team's annual awards banquet.

Before UMass Lowell: Last played for the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers during the 2022-23 season, scoring 13 goals with 32 assists for 45 points in 61 games ... Also played for the Jamestown Rebels of the NAHL in 2021-22, totaling 53 points (18g, 35a) in 56 regular season games, before adding 14 points (7g, 7a) in nine playoff games ... Was a member of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres from 2017-2021.     

Personal: Son of Anthony and Jamie Vaarwerk ... Has two sisters, Haley and Kendal ... Goes by the nickname “Jaky” ... Names golfing, hanging out with family, hiking and spending time at the beach as his hobbies ... Lists Money Heist, Outer Banks and Prison Break as his favorite TV shows ... Names the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres as his favorite professional sports teams and Josh Allen as his favorite athlete ... His greatest sports memory was winning state finals his 15U year ... Chose UMass Lowell because “I love the city of Boston and loved the campus the moment I came to visit. The facilities were also spectacular and the division of Hockey East is amazing. I also loved the academics they provide.” ... Wants to pursue hockey or work in the sports medicine or sports therapy field after UMass Lowell.