The Steinbach Pistons are proud to announce the commitment of forward Braden Birnie to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Men’s Hockey Program.
Braden Birnie joined the Steinbach Pistons for the second half of the 2021-2022 season as the Pistons acquired him at the trade deadline in January from the Weyburn Red Wings in the SJHL. Braden is a graduating skater and is in his final season of junior hockey. Braden played 117 junior hockey games where he amassed 81 points (29 goals and 52 assists) over that span. Since joining the Pistons for the second half of the 2021-2022 season Birnie had 31 points in 24 games. Braden is a great leader on and off the ice who works hard every time he steps on the ice.
“It’s a unique opportunity to go play in Alaska in a beautiful city and get a chance to make an impact in the lineup for them” Birnie stated on what led him to committing to Alaska Fairbanks. “Alaska has been in contact with me for quite a while now, and they were awesome throughout the whole process with me and my family. They have great facilities and run a great program.”
“This probably wouldn’t have been possible without the whole Pistons organization. They took a chance on me in bringing me here and I’m grateful for that” Birnie commented looking back on his time in Steinbach and how his time here has helped developed him as a player. “My teammates and line mates especially have helped me succeed on the ice and made me a better player. The entire coaching and training staff have been fantastic with me, and they run an unbelievable program here and I’m so glad to be a part of it.”
“Birns has an edge and a relentlessness to his game that makes him difficult to play against” Head Coach and GM Paul Dyck stated. “That combined with a good skill set, strong character and good leadership abilities makes him a player that every program can benefit from. Those qualities have earned him opportunities and he has taken advantage of them.”
When asked how Braden has impacted the Pistons this season Dyck stated, “he has been a great fit from the moment he arrived and been a leader for us both on and off the ice.”
The Pistons organization congratulate Braden on his achievement and wish him all the best in his future hockey endeavours!