St. Louis-born and raised defenceman Brayden Duy has been a welcome addition to the Okotoks Oilers roster this year.
While hockey thrives in Canada, it's not normally the sport of choice for Americans.
"The first neighbourhood that I lived in, there was a bunch of kids my age. We all just kind of went out there and played every single sport you could imagine, hockey was one of them and that just was the one that I picked. I have loved it ever since," Duy explained.
When asked if he was a football fan he said he wasn't really. He added that when the NFL Rams left for L.A. it didn't bother him, but said his father was upset at the move.
Coming from St. Louis, Duy witnessed his favourite team, the Blues, hoist a Stanley Cup for the first time in their franchise history back in 2018.
"It was pretty cool, I have only been alive for 18 years and in those 18 years, we have already won a cup. So, it's pretty cool."
Duy has seen the sport of hockey grow not only in his hometown, but across America.
The skill level of players coming from the States has grown drastically over the years and the USA could have the better team when all is said and done with the Four Nations Cup set for the middle of February.
"When I was a little younger it wasn't as popular, I feel like it has grown a little bit. It has started to become a more well-known thing in St. Louis, so it's pretty exciting," Duy mentioned.
He also added that the Blues' Stanley Cup win probably helped, as the team's fan support was amazing.
Duy explained that Assistant Coach Derek Purfield was the one to help bring him to the BCHL. He said that Purfield made a point of coming out to St. Louis to watch him play and have some conversations about joining the Oilers. Luckily for the Green and Gold Duy made the jump to the North of the Border.
He also explained that he had heard of the BCHL before meeting Purfield and said he heard great things that helped his decision to come to Okotoks.
After his junior career is finished, Duy is committed to Lindenwood University of the NCAA.
"It's 45 minutes away from my house. I really want to go there, it's going to be pretty cool. I love home, so it will be cool being at home and playing D-1 hockey," he explained.
Duy has three siblings, two brothers and a sister. Gehrig is his oldest brother, Carter is the younger brother, and Krosby is his younger sister. Duy said that his brother both played hockey and that Carter is still playing hockey. As for Krosby, he joked and said she hasn't found her sport yet.
Head coach and GM of the Oilers Tyler Deis has helped Duy feel comfortable in being an Oiler and his move to the BCHL.
"At the start, I was a little nervous, but I remember Deis saying just go out there, just have fun and do your thing, don't think. That shift actually, I remember I scored a goal, that was in pre-season. Ever since then, I have tried to not get nervous and keep having fun with it," Duy said.
Not only has the coach helped Duy feel comfortable but the returning players have also made the transition easy.
"Kade Duell, shoutout to him. I remember the second I walked into the locker room he introduced himself to me and ever since then we have been boys," he added.
While Duy has tried poutine before during a visit to Quebec earlier in his life, Canadians might not like to hear it but Duy isn't a fan.
He did mention that if any of the Green Amry heads to St. Louis to try Emo Pizza and they have to check out the Gateway Arch. Oddly enough, Duy only saw the Arch a couple of years ago even though he has lived in the city his whole life.
For those who have yet to go out to an Oilers game and see Duy play, he describes himself as a physical player who likes to his speed to his advantage and likes to shoot the puck.
Being a defenceman, he gets more playing time as teams roll with three defensive lines. Duy loves being on the ice, so it's just another part of why he likes playing on the back end.
Duy mentioned that this is his first year of junior hockey and that the Green Army has made it feel special.
"It's cool, especially Okotoks, everything is five minutes away from everything. It's nice having that, you don't have to drive all the way across the city to go somewhere like at home. I'm used to driving 30 minutes just to go to the rink, and 30 minutes to the gym. I have only filled my car up like three or four times since I have been here and I'm used to filling it up two times a week at home," Duy said.
This isn't the first time Duy has visited the area as he played in the famous Macs Midget Tournament in his youth and said that was the first time he visited the mountains and Banff to check out the "sweet views".
Duy gave a lot of praise to his parents Kevin and Kim for all the support they have given him over the years and for letting him live out his hockey dreams.
"They mean everything to me, I don't think I thank them enough. They have sacrificed time and money, so much time, it's awesome. They are coming out for American Thanksgiving. I think they come out on the 26th (of November) and stay out to the 2nd (of December). I think we are going to go to Banff, they want to see it. They weren't here with me for the Mac's tournament, so they haven't seen it in person, they only saw pictures of me and my team out there," he explained.
10 questions with Brayden Duy
What is your go-to cheat meal?
"I would say a nice cheeseburger, with some nice crispy fries and a nice chocolate milkshake. My go-to is Shake Shack."
Favourite player and team growing up?
"St. Louis Blues, and favourite player I would have to say is Quinn Hughes."
Favourite sport other than hockey?
"Baseball, probably."
What is your guilty pleasure song?
"Love Story by Taylor Swift."
Do you prefer using black or white hockey tape?
"White, definitely. That's what I have used the whole time. I feel like the black texture is different from the white, which is super weird. I'm sure people who don't play hockey don't know that."
What is your pre-game ritual?
"I got to have my watch on when I come to a game and then I have to listen to the song Bulletproof (by La Roux)."
Favourite TV show and movie?
"TV show I would have to say, Outer Banks. I don't watch a lot of TV or movies, but I would have to say Outer Banks for the show. Movie, I love Christmas movies, probably Christmas Vacation."
If you could meet anyone in the world, alive or dead, who would it be?
"Meeting The Rock would be pretty cool. Have a workout with him definitely, and then get his biggest advice for kids coming up who want to be successful."
Who was your first celebrity crush?
"I would have to say Sommer Ray."
What is your spirit animal?
"Let's go with a monkey. They are just goofy and like to have a good time."
What is the first thing you do when you get home from a road trip?
"Pack everything up, hang up my suit, take a shower, and then get some sleep. If I'm hungry I'll have a nice bowl of cereal."
What is your secret talent?
"I'm decent at drawing. I like to draw houses and architecture stuff."