Former Richardson Pioneer Weyburn Red Wings captain Braden Birnie has just finished his junior year with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks. While the Nanooks fell short of reaching the Frozen Four, Birnie, who is the captain of the hockey team, said the 2024–25 campaign was filled with growth and valuable experience.
“It was a good season for us. A little different. We had a younger group this year,” Birnie said. “Not just being one of the older guys, it was a little bit of a different role this year. Still an amazing group of guys. Always an amazing experience.”
The Nanooks faced a challenging schedule, which Birnie said tested the team early in the season but ultimately helped them grow stronger.
“It was a hard schedule, which we struggled with a little bit early, but played well during the Christmas time. Ended up about middle of the pack, so a little bit disappointed in that, but I think we took good steps in our program this year.”
Individually, Birnie’s season was capped with a major honour: being named the University of Alaska-Fairbanks’ Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year, a distinction awarded across all sports at the school.
“That was pretty cool for me. Something I definitely take a lot of pride in,” Birnie said. “It would be nice to win the other awards too, hockey-related, but this one definitely means a lot to me. It kind of rewards the hard work that you put in all year.”
Birnie emphasized that the recognition holds even more weight, knowing it wasn’t just limited to hockey.
“There were a few different nominees from all the other different sports we have there at UAF. Lots of good people offered that award, so it was pretty cool to win that.”
With one season of collegiate eligibility remaining, Birnie said he’s aiming to make the most of his senior year.
“I think the goal for me is just to go and have a really good year and hopefully try to pursue the professional career, try and get into the playoffs next year and see how far we can go,” he said. “Just have a really good year personally and enjoy the last year and try and keep riding out the sport as long as I can.”
As for what’s next after graduation, Birnie is keeping his options open.
“You never know how the season is going to go. It kind of all depends on how well you play and how things turn out,” he noted. “Lots of guys that I've played with have done the Europe circuit for a year or two… Obviously, that first priority would be to stay in America, here in Canada, wherever it may be and keep going. I'm kind of open to anything at this point and see what happens.”
Birnie played in 32 games this past season for the Nanooks, notching four goals and three assists while continuing to be a leader both on and off the ice.