48 in 24 series: Texas Jr. Brahmas

2015-16 Record: 35-9-3, 73 points (2nd in the South Division)

2016 Playoffs: Lost to Point Mallard in the South Finals, 2-0.  Made Silver Cup as wildcard and list in the round-robin.

Head Coach: Michael Hill

2016-17 Division: South

 

Nick Marek, the voice of the Texas Jr. Brahmas, reflected on the 2015-16 season, and revealed that the team had a strong finish last season, despite the result. The Jr. Brahmas will build off their past success, and be stronger from a defensive standpoint. 

 

This season, the Jr. Brahmas have to focus on unity, and that all players are on the same page in terms of team goals - both on and off the ice. Returning players Kyle Torgerson and Dakota Davis are hard working and are expected to make solid contributions to the team this season. Newcomers Jacob Petersen and Zak Albers are also expected to make a big impact in 2016-17. 

 

New Head Coach Michael Hill will lead the Jr. Brahmas this season taking over for former Head Coach Al Rooney who is now the new assistant for the NAHL’s Lone Star Brahmas. The former NAHL standout (and former Division III player) from St. Norbert College is excited to bring his knowledge to the team and looks forward to. ““I'm looking forward to creating opportunities for my players to move to the next level.  I'm also looking forward to having my wife and daughter be a part of the Brahmas organization.  So far, it's been easy to be here and around people who share the same passion for the sport as you do,” Hill said. Hill is a product of the NAHL, and currently holds the all time scoring record for the Topeka RoadRunners - scoring 68 goals in 89 regular season games. 

 

The new structure is guaranteed to benefit everyone - and the Jr. Brahmas are no exception. The size of the league is expected to bring additional exposure for all the players on a national level. NCAA coaches and scouts from all over can expect a high level of hockey, and strong, well developed players. 

 

The Texas Jr. Brahmas have access to a large, specialized group of staff to help them succeed and build the best players possible. On hand, the players have access to two full time strength coaches, a nutritionist, a highly educated medical staff, and a group of experienced coaches to “help support the players to make sure they advance and better their abilities.” 

 

This season, the Jr. Brahmas have their eye on the prize. In the 2016-17 season, the team hopes to win a championship. Beyond that, Jr. Brahmas’ staff wants as many players as possible to advance to the highest level of play possible. For some, that means college hockey, and for others that could be the NAHL or the USHL. “We want to develop these young men to be the best kind of players and people they can be,” says Marek. 

 

Last season, Nick Ford and Sam Gagnon both committed to colleges after playing for the Brahmas - Elmira and Westfield State University (Massachusetts) respectively. 

 

With a focus on community, the Jr. Brahmas volunteer with numerous youth programs, in addition to helping local schools with both after school activity programs, and learning focused programs. 

 

The Jr. Brahmas kick off their season with a double header against the Euless Jr. Stars on September 23rd and 24th. The first game will be held at the Dr. Pepper StarCenter at 2:00 PM, while game two will be held at home on the 24th, with the puck dropping at 2:05 PM.