Opportunity Knocks for Young
April 8, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Winnipeg Ice News Release
Hockey, like life, can be unpredictable.
I mean, if there's anything we've all been exposed to during the pandemic it's how tough it is to plan ahead.
So, you just do your best every day and keep the faith.
It's a simple, positive approach and one that's paying off for new Winnipeg ICE defenceman Brandt Young.
FREEZE OPEN DOORS
Young's 2020-21 season started last fall with the MJHL's newest team, the Winnipeg Freeze.
A former second round pick of the Waywayseecappo Wolverines, Brandt's rights were acquired by the Jr. A league's newcomers and he set out to make a name for himself.
And make a name he did.
Young's attitude and effort in practice drew attention and his play in games showed he had the potential to play at a high-level.
Despite getting in just five MJHL games before the pandemic halted play, Young prompted the ICE to act and they listed him.
Fast-forward to April, and Brandt's been in the Western Hockey League team's lineup for nine straight games.
"It's obviously a little different than the MJ (MJHL). It's a lot faster, a lot bigger," noted Young in a recent interview for Winnipeg ICE radio on CFRW 1290. "But, I'm trying to adapt and trying to learn from the older guys and I've had fun doing it."
Young dressed for one of the first five ICE games in the Subway East Division Hub, but as injuries struck the d-corps he's been called into action regularly and is contributing.
"I think I try to keep it simple and pride myself on the defensive zone first and then just be willing to do whatever the team needs to win."
COMFORTABLE TRANSITION
Brandt's ability to adjust to a new environment, and different level of play, is a credit to his approach and willingness to learn.
It also helps that there are a few familiar faces around to help answer questions and make him feel more at home.
Young counts fellow ICE rookie Conor Geekie among a group of players on the team that he's known for a while.
"We played our minor hockey against each other and then we both made the jump up to the Yellowhead system - we played together for two years," said Brandt who was originally drafted by the Spokane Chiefs. "So, I've known him. He's obviously a great player. He's another guy I've been fortunate enough to play with, him along with Lambos and Skyler Bruce, two other guys. And they've been great. Anything I need I can always ask any of those guys, they help me the best they can."
Young notched 43 points in 46 games with the Yellowhead Chiefs U-18's last season, but it's finding a game that works at the WHL level that's the focus these days.
Fortunately, Brandt felt confident in joining the organization and he knows he can lean on the expertise of the ICE coaching staff to help him grow.
"I knew coming in they had great ownership, and then a great coaching staff. Both Jeep (James Patrick) and Greener (Josh Green) know their stuff - they both played high level hockey."
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
New team, new league, and leaving home to live and compete in a bubble - it's a lot for anyone to take in but Young is thriving in part due to a welcoming team culture.
"We've got a great group of guys, wouldn't want anyone else, they've been great for me - they've been great for the other younger guys and I'm just trying to take what they say and implement it in my game."
But, as Brandt will tell you, whether it's rising to the demands of life in the WHL or making the most of your time away from the rink you need a foundation to work from - something he says the ICE have established.
"Coming in we didn't really know what to expect in the bubble. We've battled a bit of adversity here, but I think it just goes back to our team values. We spent a lot of time, even before getting into the bubble, going over what we want to do and what we expect from each other," noted Young referencing time spent in the team's off-season Zoom meetings. "So, I think just always referring back to those values that we set up at the start of the year has really helped us."
Helped the team, and players like Young enjoy the journey.
A journey that's unique in these challenging times.
"Absolutely, and Jeep's said it numerous times. There's 24 games this season so we've got to cherish each and every game, and each and every practice," said Young before adding. "We've just got to cherish and make the most of it."
And, when you look at the path Brandt Young has followed this season that seems to be something he's quite capable of doing.
Western Hockey League Stories from April 8, 2021
- Raiders Fall in Close Contest with Blades - Prince Albert Raiders
- Opportunity Knocks for Young - Winnipeg Ice
- Winterhawks Announce Staff Additions - Portland Winterhawks
- Winnipeg ICE and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Manitoba Announce Partnership - Winnipeg Ice
- Jason Ripplinger Named General Manager - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Blades Hunting Victory vs. Rival Raiders - Saskatoon Blades
- Americans Fall to Chiefs for First Time this Season - Tri-City Americans
- Giants Extend Winning Streak to Five After a 6-4 Road Victory over Victoria - Vancouver Giants
- Wheat Kings Beat Broncos 4-1 for Eighth-Straight Victory - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Broncos Drop Tight-Checking Game to Brandon - Swift Current Broncos
- Royals Stopped by Giants - Victoria Royals
- Head Coach Adam Maglio Picks up First Career WHL Win as Chiefs Top Ams, 5-2 - Spokane Chiefs
- Chiefs Force Overtime, Fall 5-4 to Thunderbirds - Spokane Chiefs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
