Elected as captain by teammates at the end of the 2016-17 season, Brodt brings not only an impressive hockey resume but also a natural ability to lead. "Wearing the letter is one thing, but leading a team requires much more than just that," said Bulldogs' coach Maura Crowell, now in her third season in Duluth.
"Much work, time, conversation, and thinking goes into the job. Our leadership group, led by Syd, is a positive example to our team of what it means to represent UMD and our hockey program."
With Brodt flanked by assistant captains Catherine Daoust, Jessica Healey and Linnea Hedin, UMD's leadership team has put up 33 points on the season en route to a 9-12-1 record. Not reflected in that record are three solid wins over the Minnesota Whitecaps and Korea's national team in exhibition games -- most recently a 7-2 drubbing of the Whitecaps.
And with two wins on the season over their Hockey Day opponent, St. Cloud State, the enthusiasm in Duluth is palpable.
"I think there is a lot of extra built-up excitement when going into an outdoor game," Brodt said. "We can use this to help us play with a lot of energy but also have to remember to stay focused."
"Preparing for an outdoor game certainly brings a heightened level of excitement to the team," Crowell agreed, "and I expect the week leading up to Hockey Day Minnesota to be a high-energy week of practices."
Of course, though, it's not all business for the Bulldogs. Even though their Hockey Day game is just another regular-season must-win, and the second in a weekend series against the Huskies, there's something unique about playing outside that can't be ignored. Brodt grew up playing pick-up hockey at a local outdoor rink, and cites those games as the "highlight of her winter," all the way from her childhood through high school.
"Whenever I had a chance I would be outside skating with my friends," Brodt said. "It was a blast."
And she expects the game at Lake George to be just as fun -- especially because it's something she's waited for for most of her life.
"Growing up in Minnesota I have always wanted my team to be featured on Hockey Day," Brodt said. "Every young player across the state dreams of playing in a real outdoor game and for it to be on such a big stage is really special.
"It means a ton to our team to get to play in this event. We are very excited and can't wait for the day to come."
The Bulldogs have already taken advantage of Duluth's wintry weather and skated outside as a group a few times.
With 12 players on the roster from Minnesota, who grew up well aware of Hockey Day and its role in the State of Hockey, they're determined not to squander the opportunity ahead of them.
"It's a huge moment not only for our university, but also for women's hockey in general," Crowell said. "We don't take it lightly, and we want to represent the WCHA, UMD, and our program very well on game day.
"We'll have a ton of fun out there living out our childhood dreams and creating new ones for girls all over Minnesota."
Related items:
- Hockey Days in Iowa begins Jan. 13
- St. Cloud Icebreakers ready to represent home town
- Sartell/Sauk Rapids girls no stranger to outdoor ice
