ALBUQUERQUE – Hello Ice Wolves fans and welcome to the latest edition of the Ice Wolves Den. This week we feature one of the newest NA3HL Ice Wolves Brant Tiedeman.
Brant Tiedeman grew up around the sport, “My Dad played hockey, so he got me into it since I was 4. The. Watching the NHL, guys like Crosby and Ovechkin, I tried to model my game after them.”
Tiedeman recently had his breakout with a 2 goal game at home against Austin, “I couldn’t ask for a better start, especially my first year in the league. It’s nice to have this breakout and get to it right away.” Tiedeman said, “This fan base is awesome, you don’t expect it coming to New Mexico. They show up and it’s awesome, the kids are always here asking for sticks and pucks, I love it.”
Head Coach Darren Banks says Tiedeman has just been getting better, “Brant came here from Minnesota, his team last year had a good run, he was a leader and wore a letter. He came our way at the end of the summer and he’s been progressing every day.” Banks said, “He’s been consistent this year, the biggest thing we’ve been preaching this year is not getting ahead of ourselves. We’re just going one step at a time.”
Golf was one selling point to get Tiedeman here, but not the only one, “Banks did a really good job selling me on Albuquerque, selling me on golfing year round was a big part of it. They also had a real good team last year.” Tiedeman continued, “Guys like Mooney, Whitesell, Gotelaere, they’re great leaders too, they know how to win. They teach us how to do that and we follow.”
The NAHL Ice Wolves pulled off a two game sweep this past weekend against the El Paso Rhinos. They have this week off.
The NA3HL Ice Wolves completed a 3 game sweep of the previously undefeated Texas Brahmas, with a thrilling comeback on Saturday to cap the weekend, scoring a pair of goals in the last minute to tie the game, including the tying goal with .8 seconds left and the winning goal just 1:30 into overtime. Coming into the weekend, the Brahmas had only given up 16 goals in 13 games, the Ice Wolves scored 13 goals in the 3 game sweep. The 3HL Ice Wolves are in action at home this weekend against the Tulsa Jr. Oilers. Game times Friday and Saturday night are 6:30 and Sunday afternoon is 2pm.
Photos courtesy of the New Mexico Ice Wolves and Diana Marion
