Hello Ice Wolves fans and welcome to the latest edition of the Ice Wolves Den. This past weekend the NA3HL Ice Wolves recognized their age out players. Makoto Sudoh, Jack Arnold, Carson Goetelaere, Liam Mooney, Rory Smith, Dre Berndt, Kyle Mackintosh, Issa Murakami and Ryan Wallin.
Carson Goetelaere knows how special the night is, unfortunately his night ended early getting ejected in the second period, “I don’t know what happened, I guess I was trying to hit him and he kind of fell into me. They said I went shoulder into his head. I don’t think there was anything else I could have done. It’s unfortunate.” Goetelaere said, “It was still a special night, it recognizes your time here and the effort you gave and the guys who put in the hard work.”
Makoto Sudoh has been injured since the Showcase, but he recently rejoined the team to finish his rehab in hopes to return for the playoffs. It was still special for him, “It’s hard watching them play, not being a part of it. Being in the locker room though getting the guys up is always enjoyable. Just in the room, getting the guys together, firing them up.” Sudoh continued, “I’m excited hoping to get back for the playoffs. It stings just watching them, all the guys are working hard and I want to be a part of that. I can’t push myself too much, but it’s been a huge relief knowing I’ll be back.”
Dre Berndt has only been with the Ice Wolves for just under a month, age out night is still special. In that short time he’s endeared himself not only to the fans, but his teammates. “It’s undescribable, getting this far in my career, getting ready to go to college. These guys brought me in making it feel like home. It’s important because you know the brotherhood that you’ve built is something you’ll cherish forever. Going into playoffs on a good note is crucial. With this group of guys and me coming in this late in the season, I know we can do it.” Berndt said, “This group is so special, I’ve never had a team welcome me in so fast. When I got traded and met the team in Dallas, I felt so welcomed. Within the first 15 minutes of me being there, I had 16 guys in my room until curfew, it was unbelievable.”
