Braigh LeGrandeur played his entire junior hockey career with the Richardson Pioneer Weyburn Red Wings. Playing three full seasons with the Red Wings, LeGrandeur would establish himself as a hard-working leader and stepped into the role of Assistant Captain. I talked with Braigh about his career as a Red Wing, how its progressed and grown since his first year, and the future for Braigh LeGrandeur as he's committed to playing for the University of Alberta - Augustana. You can listen to the full interview at the bottom of this article.
Dylan: OK, so first I'll get you to state your full name and the hockey team you played for.
Braigh: Braigh LeGrandeur, played for the Weyburn Red Wings.
D: Boy, I called you LeGranger your whole, oh wow...
B: It’s okay, everyone, everyone mixes it up.
D: So, Braigh LeGrandeur, obviously you played for the Wings. One of the longest tenures with you and Oxy (Oxelgren) and Betty (Betson) there. We just wrapped up the awards night. It was a crazy year on the ice for you guys. What was it like wearing the Weyburn Red Wings jersey and taking the ice here?
B: I mean, it's always an honor to wear the winged wheel. You know, I think we had. We had such a special group this year, you know, lifelong memories for sure, lifelong friendships. And I mean, obviously it's a bit of a bittersweet moment, you know, wrapping everything up and kind of putting a bow on my junior career here. But, you know, I couldn't have done it with a greater group of guys and yeah, just unreal to experience this.
D: Yeah, for sure. Obviously for yourself, you spent three years here with the team. Maybe what was it like seeing that progression and the culture grow from your first year here to now your final one?
B: I mean, you know, I like to take pride in kind of the culture, you know, (that) we've built and as you're saying; me, Ox, and Betty, being three-year guys, I think we've kind of built the winning culture that we have today and you know it's just always a great group of guys and it's always lots of fun and you always enjoy coming to the rink every day and I think that's a testament to (head coach) Cody (Mapes) and the teams he puts together and yeah, it's just real fun.
D: For sure. And yeah, now your junior career is over, aged out. You've committed to play to the University of Alberta - Augustana. So, returning back to your home province, playing there, how excited are you to further your hockey career?
B: Yeah, I think it's a really cool opportunity. Obviously, going back to Alberta a little closer to family but I think just in terms from a school standpoint, you know it's a really good school in terms of education and you know, playing hockey on top of that is a bonus. I mean the coach there sounds like a really great guy and sounds like a really great group of guys that they have brought in. So, it should be real fun next year.
D: Perfect, thanks Braigh