University of Minnesota Athletics
Brandt Leads Gophers with Team-First Mentality
11/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
Nov. 12, 2015
By Hannah Barnes, Athletic Communications Student Intern
MINNEAPOLIS - Gophers senior Hannah Brandt has found plenty of individual success during her career and has already has already made her mark as one of top players in NCAA women's hockey history.
The three-time Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award finalist enters this weekend's series against Bemidji State ranked second in Minnesota history with 242 career points and 143 assists. Her next goal will be her 100th as a Gopher, landing her among Nadine Muzerall (139), Krissy Wendell (106) and Natalie Darwitz (102) as the program's only 100-goal scorers.
Despite her individual records, Brandt is still very focused on her team and what she can do to help them win as many games as possible during her final season.
"Individually [being successful] is great and everything, but most importantly the team success we've had has been unbelievable and I wouldn't trade that for anything," Brandt said. "I've just been lucky to be a part of this team and tradition,"
When reflecting on her career as part of the Minnesota women's hockey team, Brandt has many fond memories and notes that while she certainly has enjoyed the team's success, her teammates have made her experience the most enjoyable.
"Being on a winning team is obviously going to be more fun than being on a losing team, but beyond that, just the way our team gets along on and off the ice is what makes it really special."
As her career with the Gophers is winding down, Brandt remembers the positive leadership she received when she was a freshman and hopes she can provide the same thing to the young players, such as linemate Sarah Potomak, while serving as a team captain this year.
"As a senior, you have to step into a leadership role as it is, so I've just been working on doing that and hopefully helping out with the freshmen as much as possible," Brandt said.
Despite being on a team with a lot of depth and young talent, Brandt knows that she has to play every game to her fullest, as she and her fellow Gophers always see their competition's best games. Though many players would find this intimidating, Brandt embraces it.
"We always have that target and I think that's what makes it fun," Brandt said. "You get every team's best game it seems like, and you can't take anything for granted."
Brandt is motivated to be at her best for the rest of the season, as she hopes to conclude her career with a third national championship.
"The rest of the season I'm looking forward to getting better everyday, personally and as a team," Brandt said. "Hopefully at the end of the year we're in a good spot and can make another run at a national championship."
###
