3View: Texas Brahmas

September 5, 2018

 

2017-18 Record: 40-7-0, 80 pts. (1st in South Division)

2018 Playoffs: Won the South Division, Eliminated after Fraser Cup Round-Robin

Head Coach: Travis Sanders

2018-19 Division: South

 

The 2017-18 season was an extremely successful one for the Texas Brahmas. On the ice they set a new franchise record for wins (40) and points (80). After winning the South Division regular season title, they went on to win the South Division playoff championship and advanced to the Fraser Cup Championship Tournament. 

 

During the round robin portion of the event, the Brahmas went 1-1-1, giving them four points but thanks to a head to head tiebreaker, Texas was eliminated and their season ended.

 

Off the ice, the Brahmas had a handful of players make college commitments. Jaxon Bombardir, Kyle Cote, Dakota Davis, Vincent Dekumbis, Tyler Myers, Robby Seger and Bennett Weycker all made NCAA plans.

 

For the upcoming season, there will be a new face behind the bench as Travis Sanders takes over for Michael Hill who was named the Assistant Coach for the Aberdeen Wings of the North American Hockey League. Sanders is excited for his new opportunity in the state of Texas.

 

“With it being my first year with the Brahmas organization, it’s set up to be an exciting one. I’m really looking forward to competing in a very competitive South Division and working closely with the NAHL teams of the south. Between my recruiting and the recruiting done by the coaches before me, we are going to be very strong and our winning culture and success of player advancement will continue to be one of the top Tier III programs in the country,” said Sanders.

 

The Brahmas have high expectations once again and Sanders believes the culture in the locker room is the foundation for their success.

 

“Creating the right culture of our playing holding themselves accountable is very important. I believe that one of the biggest adjustments for players as they move into junior hockey or into college hockey following juniors, is the ability to maintain the right habits and maintain the proper regiment to foster further development at the next level. Having a strong culture will help implement these habits on and off the ice,” Sanders added.

 

Texas has been an excellent spot for advancement and Sanders is very familiar with the NA3HL’s exposure events and how they provide the players with the opportunity to be seen by hundreds of scouts.

 

“Being in the league for a number of years now, I can’t say enough good things about our exposure events. The format for competition at the showcase is exactly what the scouts ask for and put the players in the best position to be recognized,” Sanders said. “Top Prospects is always outstanding and the Fraser Cup Championship brings out the best of the best. I believe having more showcases would be great with the standard that has been set by the NA3HL.”

 

In addition to the on ice and off ice success, the Brahmas understand that the local community is big reason why the club is where it is today.

 

“The team functions have been great so far. We will be getting out in the community to help bring awareness to justified causes, and will certainly be helping with the junior Brahmas teams. Almost all of our billet families have children playing in the youth program. It really is a big family down here,” said Sanders.

 

With a couple of South Division championships under their belt, the bar is now set to it’s maximum point. It’s time for the Brahmas to not only reach the Fraser Cup Championship Tournament but bring the trophy down south. 

 

“Expectations are pretty high as they should be coming from a successful program like the Brahmas. Our primary goal is player advancement and development. I expect the existing tradition of success both in player advancement and in the win column to continue!”

 

Texas will kick off their season on Sunday, September 23rd against their cross-town rival, the Mid Cities Jr. Stars.