November 6, 2009
By Becky Olsen
Special to USAHockey.com
Opportunities can knock at any time and any place. One opportunity can turn into a lifetime chance to fulfill a dream at a place that one can only imagine. If you are unsure of that, just ask National Team Development Program Under-18 forward Brandon Saad, who is currently living out a dream of playing for Team USA.
“Playing hockey throughout my life has always been a lot of fun, but coming here and representing your country and being here with a great group of guys and developing the best you can has been the most fun for me so far,” Saad said.
It may seem hard to believe that Saad is just one year removed from being on the other side of the ice, facing Team USA as a member of the Mahoning Valley Phantoms in 2008-09. He was selected as the North American Hockey League’s (NAHL) Rookie of the Year, along with being selected to the All-Rookie team after compiling 53 points in 54 contests.
 | Brandon Saad made the switch to the NTDP this season. |
One of the best memories for Saad was being able to play hockey with his older brother, George, at Mahoning Valley last year. George, who is two years older, and Brandon grew up playing together when they were younger. George now plays club hockey at Penn State University.
“My mom took me and my brother to the rink and we started playing. My cousins played and we just fell in love with the game and stuck with it,” Saad said. “[George and Sandy] are the best parents, knowing that hockey is an expensive sport and working as hard as they can so we could play. Taking us to the rink every day when we were younger, it was just a great experience and they helped us a lot through the way.”
Despite moving to the red, white and blue this season, one things stands out for Saad from playing against Team USA when he was at Mahoning Valley last year.
“Team USA was always going to come in, be prepared and work hard,” said Saad, a Gibsonia, Pa., native. “That is one of the things that I love about this team and a big reason that I came here. The conditioning that they have and work ethic is phenomenal to be around.”
The ironic thing is he had an opportunity to play for Team USA one year ago. The 6-foot-1, 196-pound forward played seven games for the U-17s, including all six at the 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Port Alberni, B.C. Saad was selected to the all-tournament team, after registering nine points (4-5) in that span.
“It helped out with the transition,” Saad said of his move to Ann Arbor, Mich. “Leaving home is never easy, but knowing the guys and then being as nice as they are. They helped as much as they could to make the move easier.
“Last year, it was a phenomenal feeling to wear the USA jersey. Coming in this year and being able to wear it all year is even better, especially with this group of guys and being a part of it all year. It is an indescribable feeling to wear it.”
As Team USA’s season progresses, Saad might be able to use one of his experiences from last year to help motivate the USA team. As U-17s, this group lost in a fifth and deciding playoff game to Saad’s Mahoning Valley squad. For the USA players, it is a taste that they still carry in their mouths.
“It was a game five and it was the biggest game that I had played so far, other than national tournaments,” Saad said. “You have to do the simple things and work as hard as you can because it is due or die for you. You have to put everything on the line and it is a good experience to have.”
Saad can use those experiences to help motivate this year’s team, as a leader in the locker room and on the ice.
“You would never guess by looking around that Bradon is in his first year here,” U-18 coach Kurt Kleinendorst said. “He fits in and handles himself in the locker room. It is a credit to him and his teammates.
“I have been so impressed in how he has handled himself. He carries himself well and in the locker room, he is becoming a leader. He had done a good job and he is not playing as a first-year kid.”
Saad is not going to sit back and take anything for granted. He knows that he needs to continue to work hard and push himself in order to be successful.
“On some of my teams, you always have the top line and that top player. Coming here, with everyone being as good as they are, you have to push yourself to the limit — whether it is in the weight room, on or off the ice — working as hard as you can with everyone as good as they are,” Saad said. “You really see how the cream of the crop is coming together. I am playing with a good group here; it makes it a little easier on me.”
This year, Saad has been one of the most consistent players on the U-18s. Saad, who just turned 17 on Oct. 27 and is a junior in high school, has 15 points (6-9) in 15 games. Ask him about the first time he stepped out on the ice against the college competition and one word sums it up.
“It was phenomenal,” Saad said. “My first college game was against one of the top teams [Michigan)] in the country. It was indescribable — the fans cheering and chanting against us. It really got us going.”
An opportunity knocks on the door and Saad answers the call. It is good thing that he did as he can showcase his leadership skills and his passion for USA hockey.
“It is the best thing that you can do for yourself — surrounding yourself with the group of people here,” Saad said. “It is phenomenal with the coaching staff and right down to the players the host families, etc. Everything about this organization is professional. It is a lot of fun.”
Story courtesy of Red Line Editorial, Inc. |