Brodie Ziemer, resident of Minnesota, distinguishes itself for Team USA at WJSS – The Hockey Writers World Junior Hockey Championship Latest News, Analysis and more

It is in the middle of the summer, and although most people don’t think of hockey, those who participated in the World Junior Summer Showcase in Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, Minnesota, thought of nothing but hockey. It is only appropriate that hockey is played in the summer in a place like Minnesota, which has more than 10,000 lakes that work as perfect ice rinks in the winter.

This state lives, eats and breathes hockey, and that is why the American team had a long shot for the showcase 13 Minnesotans, the most from every state. 12 of those players were mentioned as born in Minnesota, while one of them was born in New Jersey but played hockey in Minnesota because of his teenage years.

Not every Minnesotan in the schedule of the United States will make the cut when December comes, but there are a few that have been noticed and have to be cut. One of them has been on fire since the last juniors in the world and is probably at the top when the tournament rolls around.

That is Brodie Ziemer, and he has the unique position to come from Minnesota, to play for the University of Minnesota, where the showcase was held, where part of the December tournament will be held, and he will have the same head coach for both Bob Motzko of the team. He is also a crucial part of what is expected to be the top line for the US, with Teddy Stiga and James Hagens. Ziemers is the only Minnesotan on that line, and he took the time to talk about the experience with the Hockey Writers’ Mariah Stark.

Showcase & Tournament at home

Ziemer had a bit of a lead compared to some of his teammates when it came to the showcase. Last season they were all at unknown territory when the showcase was held in Ottawa, Ontario, but this season it was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the University of Minnesota Campus, where Ziemer played his first year hockey last season. The only difference was that the showcase was held in Ridder Arena, where the Gopher Women’s Hockey team plays, while the men usually play right next door in Mariucci.

So he was familiar with the campus, and he didn’t have to deal with the nerves of not only impression on the coaching staff, but he didn’t have to worry that he didn’t know where to go. Instead, he was able to concentrate on playing, and he was able to relax on a campus he already knew. Moreover, he will get the upper hand when the tournament starts in December, because some games are held on the Herenbaan, Maruicci, where Ziemer is very well known, and also in the Xcel Energy Center over the river.

“Yes, it was super special, it is nice to be at home, my family showed me play. I showed everyone on campus, it was very nice,” said Ziemer about playing at Knight for the showcase, and he continued to watch the actual tournament in Minnesota. I know the fans will be great and that the whole family will be there, so I am super pumped. “

Motzko Coaching USA

Ziemer not only had the comfort to play at his university jobs this summer, but he also gets his university coach his American coach for both the showcase and the tournament in December. Last season it was David’s head coach, David Carle, Coaching USA, but this season it is Bob Motzko, who normally coaches the Gophers at the University of Minnesota; This year, however, he will do both the Gophers and the US.

Again, just like Games at his university campus, Ziemer has his college coach Be his American coach Will Be a big help. He knows what his coach expects from players, what systems he runs and how his coach works under pressure. It will give Ziemer an advantage, but he can Also help his teammates Also know what to expect.

“Again, it was great, a lot of fame, know the systems and things like that. I know I ask him and ask things like that, so yes, it was good,” said Ziemer about having Motzko behind the couch for the showcase.

Home can mean distractions

Although having the showcase and the tournament at home can be a great thing in terms of comfort and fame, it can also be a distraction. Being able to have family and friends come, can put extra pressure on the shoulders of a player, and although some thrive under that pressure, especially at this level, some have shown their nerves.

Not only will a player like Ziemer have to do with that kind of pressure, but he will also have school work to keep track of. Now, when the tournament is underway, most schools will be on their holiday breaks that take about a month, so he may not miss a real school for the tournament itself, but the camp will probably make him miss some classes earlier in the month. However, when they are asked, Ziemer already seems to have a plan and he knows that he has to work ahead.

Related: World Junior Summer Showcase is all about the process

“Just stay up to date with things, working ahead, doing what I can do,” Ziemer said when he was asked how he will juggle homework and hockey. He has to juggle both hockey and school during the regular season, but this tournament is many matches in a short time, so it is even more intense and will need a lot of focus.

Ziemer will be one to watch

As mentioned above, Ziemer is probably on top for the US with Stiga and Hagens. Even in The small part of the showcase they played, they were a force to take into account. US has many strong players, and it will be interesting to see if they can return a third Gold medal with Ziemer Help to show the way.