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Sights Set On New Season For Hunter Brzustewicz

By USA Hockey's NTDP, 09/23/21, 1:00PM EDT

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U18 defenseman is ready to bounce back in final NTDP season


Photo by Michael Caples

One of the hardest struggles to face as an athlete is having the opportunity to compete taken from you, whether that is through injury or more recently for most, the restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Whatever the reason, it’s hard to sit back and watch your teammates play without you. During the 2020-21 season, Hunter Brzustewicz suffered a shoulder injury, missing most of the season. Now back in the rink for a new and healthy year, Brzustewicz is ready to get back into the mix of things.


Hunter's Favorites

Favorite NHL Team
Dallas Stars

Favorite NHL Player
Jamie Benn

Favorite Celebrity
Jake Paul

Favorite Musical Artist
Drake/Justin Bieber

Favorite TV Show
The Challenge

Favorite Book
Can't Hurt Me

Favorite Food
Ice Cream


“It feels great, just being around the guys is obviously the best part,” said Brzustewicz. “Being back on the ice and actually competing really feels good and I’m glad to be out there. Last year was a big learning piece for me and not being around the guys as much as possible kind of sucked but so far, it’s been really good.”

Although he was unable to be out there on the ice with his team, Brzustewicz always found a way to contribute as a teammate from the off days in the weight room to the bench on game days.

It was important to Brzustewicz to help his teammates be the best that they can be and to push them to work harder each and every day.

“I just tried to keep a good mindset and be there as much as possible for them. When they need me or when guys were down, I tried to pick them up and help them see the bright side of the day and remind them to be grateful that they are playing.”

Coming back stronger this season was crucial to Brzustewicz’s journey. Between the entire 2020-21 season and this past summer, he spent majority of his time in the weight room with the NTDP’s Director of Sports Science Brian Galivan and Strength and Conditioning Coach Will Morlock.

“Me, Gally and Will were just in the gym really focusing on speed and getting the weights up quicker. We put on the strength in the season when I was hurt so it was just getting faster and doing the little things.”

Brzustewicz’s offseason training surely has proven to have paid off with already a pair of USHL wins against the Muskegon Lumberjacks under his belt in the 2021-22 season.

As he and the rest of the U.S. National Under-18 Team look ahead to the opening weekend of their USHL regular-season, Brzustewicz cannot help but feel blessed to be back on the ice and wearing the USA crest.

“Playing the game, you know I haven’t been able to play much lately,” expressed Brzustewicz. “I can’t wait for that and just finally getting started.”

Whether a current member of the NTDP or a fellow alum, players continue to talk about how special and unlike any other this program has been for them. 

Having experienced what it is like to be both a skater and a teammate cheering on his boys, Brzustewicz will never forget his time spent in Plymouth and cannot wait to face this season with his brothers in their final run together.

“I think just being around the guys all the time. Just the little things in the lounge this year like ping pong and bubble hockey. Just bonding as a team really keeps us close and you don’t get that anywhere else. Again, just the little things, being competitive with each other just brings us together.”



Photo by Michael Caples


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