Brandon Swenson '21 Recruiting Profile

Like any other kid I want to go pro but I know it isn't ever just handed out so day in and day out I work to be the best player every time I touch the ice. I'm good for any team because my knowledge of the game is better than anybody I've played with while being able to play both sides of the ice in my youth has given me a different outlook on the center's role. I can play any position and although my height may not of been handed to me like some but my physicality and determination makes up for it. I'm different because I'm not flashy and I play the game the right way. I can still pull of dangle plays but I know the success rate of them which makes them less viable then a simple head shimmy and burn the guy wide. Outside of hockey I am seen as shy and maybe quiet but this has to do with real friendships. I believe in a smaller friend group because the bonds are stronger than a large group with people who don't care about one another. I've been a captain on every team from youth to high school and I used to just set an example on the ice with my effort. This past year and the previous has taught me that I needed to be more vocal and pick up players who may be feeling down because one person off their game makes a big impact due to hockey being the most team based sport. I have come into a better captain role while still being lose  depending on the situation and time. I believe I have matured this year more than any mentally and it has shown in my game. I'm used to being the go to guy and had a lot of pressure on me which I love to have and it pushes me everyday. Southern Minnesota hockey although it may be lacking numerous junior and college talents which could help me push me, I now know how to make the players around me better, which boosted us to the section final. I believe this is an important quality in a player like myself who loves the "old school" side of hockey. I feel every team needs a hybrid like me who takes pride in defense as much as they do at offense.