Senior Braeden Hart isn’t known for being the loudest on the ice, but the presence he brings is unmistakable.
“Be where your feet are and just go to work every day, and good things will happen,” said the FRCC Hockey Player of the Year.
Whether Braeden is shutting down an opposing forward or igniting transition play from the back end, the team captain is always carving out his role that goes beyond numbers.
As the playoffs arrive, the senior defenseman has carved out a role that goes beyond the numbers.
Hart has emerged not just as a dependable athlete but as one of the team’s emotional anchors.
What makes NDA hockey special, Hart says, can’t be captured in stats.
“My favorite part about being able to play for NDA is that I get to be a part of such a special bond of players,” he said. “Being able to see my teammates all day, every day allows us to become a super close group of guys.”
This year’s team has found its identity through these relationships.
The locker room culture has shifted, saying it’s more focused and built for late-season resilience. “We’ve grown so much since the start of the season,” Hart said.
When the stakes rise, Hart becomes more focused: “Before a big game I just tell myself to keep everything simple. Make easy plays, and as the game carries on, I know my opportunities will come.”
Hart plays with a mix of control and anticipation, traits that stood out in a sectional final win over Neenah.
“I grew up in Neenah, so winning that game in front of my friends and family meant the world to me,” said the captain..
Coach Szkodzski is a constant behind NDAs structure, and Hart doesn’t take that for granted.
“We wouldn’t be where we are without Coach. We all understand that he wants the best for every single one of us,” said Hart.
This mentorship really began to show, especially during the recent trip the team took to Detroit, the turning point of the season, according to Hart.
“It really helped the team come together for one final push before playoffs. We were playing some of our fastest and most competitive hockey of the year,” Hart said.
When asking other students what they thought about Hart, senior quarterback Max Pierce said, “Watching Braeden Hart is something else. From the looks of it, he is a great leader, and he has great orange hair that flows out of his helmet. I’ve never seen something so magical.”
Hart’s not done yet. After high school, he has high hopes to continue playing hockey through junior leagues and eventually Division 1.
He’s clear about what fuels him: “My biggest role models are my parents. They’ve pushed me to be my best on and off the ice.”
And when asked what he’d be doing if hockey didn’t exist, he gave the generic answer most hockey players would.
“Probably playing lacrosse,” he said with a grin.
