Getting to Know Freshman Clay Han

Leading up to the 2016-17 season, DartmouthSports.com will be taking a closer look at the 11-member Class of 2020 making their Big Green debut this fall.

One of two incoming blueliners, Clay Han played three seasons for the Boston Junior Bruins Premier Team. During that time, he appeared in over 140 games and tallied 74 points. In Han's first season with the Junior Bruins, he helped his team to a regular season and tournament title before they went on to win a Tier III National Championship. He was a two-time USPHL All-Star and wore the captain's 'C' on his sweater his last two seasons with the Bruins. Prior to playing in the USPHL, Han spent three seasons with the Ohio Blue Jackets AAA organization. In the three years he played in the T1EHL, both at the U16 and U18 level, he registered 59 points on 26 goals and 33 assists. He was selected to participate in two USA Hockey National Festivals.

What made you pick Dartmouth?
I chose Dartmouth because it had the perfect combination of high-level hockey and academics. The hockey team is consistently among the top contenders in the ECAC, as well as nationally, with first-class coaches and facilities. Dartmouth also offers an education that is one of the best in the country.

For the fans who haven't seen you play, describe your game and what you bring to the team.
I'm definitely a very offensive-minded defenseman. Being a defenseman, I always have to think defense first wherever I am on the ice, but I feel that jumping up into the rush and trying to create as much offense as I can is a huge part of my game.

What's your most memorable moment in hockey thus far?
Winning the Dineen Cup my first year playing with the Junior Bruins was an unbelievable moment. We had a really good team that year in which we were also the regular season champions and then went on to win a national championship as well.

What are some other sports you played growing up and how did that help you in hockey?
I ran track up until my sophomore year in high school and also played basketball when I was younger. Running track and playing basketball helped me to develop speed and agility. Basketball was also good for helping with some aspects of decision and play making which are critical for hockey. Playing other sports also allowed me to get away from hockey so I didn't get burnt out at an early age.

What is your favorite sports team?
I grew up in Cincinnati so I'm a big Bengals and Reds fan. I'm also a fan of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Why did you pick the position you play? Did you ever play anything else?
I played defense when I was young, then switched to forward when I was about 12. I made the switch back to defense when I moved up to U18 hockey because our team needed defensemen and have stayed there for the past few years.

Where is your favorite place that you have already visited?
My family took a cruise to Eastern Europe this past summer. Getting to visit cities like St. Petersburg, Stockholm and Copenhagen and see historical buildings as well as the different lifestyles was an unbelievable experience.

What are you planning on studying at Dartmouth?
Right now I'm deciding between pre-med and business/finance. Those are the two areas that interest me most, but I haven't made a definitive decision yet.

Dogs or cats?
I've had both dogs and cats, and dogs are way better. All my cats would do is beg for food. Dogs are more playful and are more fun to be with.

Who was your favorite player growing up?
I grew up idolizing guys like Mike Modano and Nicklas Lidstrom. These are two players that I were not only the best players on their teams, but also leaders and knew how to make big plays in key moments of games.

Any pre-game meals or rituals you have to have?
The only pre-game ritual that I have before I play is that the last song I listen to before I go out on the ice is “Jump Around” by House of Pain.

If you could witness one moment in history, what would it be?
I would want to go back and see the 1980 Winter Olympics “Miracle on Ice” when the United States beat the Soviet Union. I have seen the movie hundreds of times, but being able to witness one of the greatest upsets in sports history in person would be amazing.

Schedules

Players Mentioned

Clay Han

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Schedules

Completed Event: Men's Ice Hockey versus Princeton on February 28, 2026 , Tie , 2, to, 2 , (SO, L)

Completed Event: Men's Ice Hockey versus No. 7 Colgate on March 13, 2026 , Win , 4, to, 1

Completed Event: Men's Ice Hockey versus No. 7 Colgate on March 14, 2026 , Win , 4, to, 1

Completed Event: Men's Ice Hockey versus No. 8 Clarkson on March 20, 2026 , Win , 4, to, 0

Completed Event: Men's Ice Hockey versus No. 4 Princeton on March 21, 2026 , Win , 2, to, 1 , (OT)

Completed Event: Men's Ice Hockey versus #12 Wisconsin on March 26, 2026 , Loss , 1, to, 5