Lukas van Ness brought a Midwest tribute to Lambeau Field on Saturday night. The Green Bay Packers defensive end arrived at the stadium wearing a Montreal Canadiens Lane Hutson #48 jersey, showcasing his massive respect for the rising hockey star. Both players share deep roots in the same Chicago region, making Van Ness’s wardrobe choice a personal statement of admiration.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Van Ness donned the Canadiens jersey at Lambeau Field during the December 27, 2025 game against Baltimore
- Lane Hutson is the Montreal Canadiens’ #48 defenseman, drafted in 2022 round 2 at #62 overall
- Both players grew up in the Chicago area near Holland, Michigan and the North Barrington suburb
- Van Ness, a 2023 NFL first-round pick, played college football at Iowa and now plays defensive end with the Green Bay Packers
A Midwest Connection Between Two Rising Stars
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Lukas Van Ness and Lane Hutson both call the Chicago metropolitan area home. Van Ness grew up in Barrington, Illinois, one of the region’s premier athletic communities. Hutson was born in Holland, Michigan and raised in the nearby Chicago suburb of North Barrington. This proximity connects two athletes excelling at the highest levels of their respective sports.
The Packers defensive end has followed Hutson’s remarkable rise through the hockey ranks. Hutson was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft and has since established himself as one of the league’s most exciting young defensemen. The 5’10” defenseman shoots left and brings exceptional offensive upside to Montreal’s blue line.
Van Ness Makes His Fandom Public at Lambeau
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Walking into Lambeau Field for the Packers-Ravens matchup on December 27, Van Ness proudly displayed the Canadiens #48 jersey for all to see. The defensive end wasn’t shy about showing camera operators his hockey admiration. His choice to wear Hutson’s jersey sent a clear message: he’s a genuine fan of the young defenseman’s game.
This wasn’t a random celebrity moment or team obligation. Van Ness, a first-round pick in 2023 who plays at 6’5″ and over 260 pounds, clearly values Hutson’s development and skill. The Iowa product has been nursing a foot injury in recent weeks but made his presence felt at the stadium regardless.
Lane Hutson’s Breakout 2024-25 Season Turns Heads
| Category | 2024-25 Stats |
| Games Played | 82 |
| Points Recorded | 66 |
| Position | Defenseman (Left) |
| Height | 5’10” |
Hutson’s dominance has made him one of the Montreal Canadiens’ most reliable offensive contributors. Appearing in all 82 games this season and recording 66 points, he’s become a cornerstone player for the team. At 5’10”, scouts initially questioned whether his size would translate at the professional level, but Hutson has emphatically answered that question.
The Holland native’s skill set includes elite puck-handling and vision from the blue line. Montreal Canadiens fans have embraced the young defenseman’s confident style and ability to create scoring chances for teammates. Van Ness clearly recognizes greatness when he sees it, which explains his enthusiastic support.
Two Midwest Products Taking Over Professional Sports
Van Ness brings notable athleticism to the Packers defensive front. The former Iowa Hawkeye was selected in the first round of 2023 and signed a four-year contract worth $17.3 million. Known for his versatility and physical tools, Van Ness represents Green Bay’s investment in defensive pass rush development. His 31-inch vertical leap demonstrates the kind of athletic profile that translates to elite NFL performance.
Both players carry the mark of their Midwest heritage: hard work, respect for the game, and genuine appreciation for excellence in their sports. Van Ness’s decision to wear Hutson’s jersey illustrates the mutual respect developing between these two rising stars. Whether intentional or not, he showed that professional athletes across different sports recognize and celebrate each other’s achievements.
What’s Next for Both Athletes?
As the Packers finish their 2025 season, Van Ness looks to return to full strength and make a playoff impact. Meanwhile, Lane Hutson and the Montreal Canadiens continue building a competitive roster around their young talent. The defenseman’s recent production suggests he’ll be a fixture on playoff teams for years to come.
Van Ness’s public support at Lambeau Field creates a memorable moment that links two communities separated by geography but united by sports excellence. From Barrington to Holland, the Midwest continues producing world-class talent. Will Van Ness and Hutson eventually face each other in a Super Bowl or Stanley Cup setting? That remains to be determined, but their mutual respect suggests a bond that transcends their respective professional leagues.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.