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Brendan James Lawn Player Biography [2/2]


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Brendan James Lawn

D | 6'2" | 190lbs| Age: 23

image.jpeg.77d85468ff2f5fd650f352e4738ba37a.jpeg

 

Early Life

Brendan was born in Tampa, FL on May 11, 1995. At the age of 5 his father introduced him to the game of hockey finally enrolling the boy in hockey 101 at the local rink. Being from Florida training and practicing were always a struggle for Brendan. Ice time was limited and competition almost non-existent in the sunshine state. None the less Brendan fell in love with the sport and took every opportunity presented to him to learn and grow. His family was middle class and never struggled to provide for Brendan buying him all the necessary gear he needed and paying for his league fees.

 

At the age of 7 Brendan started his first league at the local rink and although starting as a right winger was quickly moved back to the blue line after coaches noticed his above average ability to back skate. From there Brendan’s skill at the sport took off. He continued to play through his younger years up until high school. Attending Tampa Catholic High School Brendan lost interest in playing the sport as his school didn't support an ice hockey team and influences from his sister convinced him to try a new sport in rowing. 

 

University

Although he was athletic, and a good rower Brendan never excelled at the sport and didn't continue with it when he moved to Boca Raton to pursue undergraduate studies at Florida Atlantic University. Starting as a Computer Programming major Brendan quickly realized his lack of skill in mathematics would hold him back and thus, he changed his major to Studio Art and Graphic Design. He wanted to get back into hockey but was put off by the Owl's lack of skill and overall poor performance on the ice.

 

With much convincing from coaching staff and school administrators Brendan joined the team and quickly earned the captaincy by end of his sophomore year boasting one of the highest point totals on a team that had historically struggled to even win games. In his junior year Brendan led the team to the NCAA Mens Hockey Championship and again in his senior year.

 

 Despite failing to win a championship title Brendan would walk away from the first season earning the Defensive Defenseman of the Year from the NCHC and the Player of the Year in his final season as an Owl. Planning for the future Brendan never expected hockey to become a full time job for him and expected the end of his college career to be the end of his hockey career as well.

 

 

Post-University

Brendan left university looking for a job working in his field as a graphic designer but, much to his surprise, was quickly contacted by a member of the Solar Bears scouting team who had taken note of Brendan's Defensive playstyle and ability to stretch passes and create breakaways. The Solar Bears offered the young defenseman a chance to play in the ECHL and he hastily accepted.

 

The start of his career with the Solar Bears was rough to say the least. Moving from a team and league where he was a dominate force to the ECHL where again he was considered a rookie, Brendan struggled to regain momentum and build up confidence in his plays in his first year. After ending his rookie season with a negative plus minus and not much to show for his efforts hope seemed lost and Brendan expected his 1-year contract with the Solar Bears to be a chance he wasted. However coaching staff in the Solar Bears thought differently.

 

 In a closed meeting Coach Drake Berehowsky sat Brendan down and stipulated his terms. Brendan would be offered another 1-year contract. A chance to prove to himself and to his peers that he deserved to play in the big leagues. The terms were Brendan was to produce a winning season with positive numbers to earn his spot on the roster. This challenge clicked with Brendan and he met it with fierce animosity.

 

Brendan returned from a long post-season after spending all summer conditioning under new defensive trainers absolutely blowing the competition in the league away. He had improved phenomenally ending the season boasting a positive plus minus and being among some of the top players for assists in the ECHL. Brendan continued to play with the Solar Bears for another 4 years helping them achieve multiple Kelly Cup Finals appearances.

After a fierce run for the cup in 2018 and sweeping the South Carolina Stingrays the Solar Bears were defeated by the regular season champion Florida Everblades. With that defeat Brendan hung up his sweater in the ECHL and decided to move on from the Orlando Solar Bears in pursuit of bigger horizons.

 

Introduction to the VHL

After leaving the ECHL Brendan began deciding what his next move would be. He knew he wanted to continue the sport but with the unbelievable talent in the NHL Brendan believed his skills wouldn’t be up to par to compete on such a grand stage. In early 2019 Brendan was contacted by members of the Victory Hockey League which was just finishing up its own Finals.

 

He was informed of an upcoming expansion draft in the league in response to a recent influx of players migrating in from other leagues. It was and unprecedented growth in the leagues history and there was never a better time to enter the league. Brendan felt up to the challenge and thus made the move to the great VHL. He is currently conditioning and training hoping to be a top prospect in the expansion drafts.

 

Multiple teams have already shown interest in the young Florida born player but he has yet to sign any commitments with a club. Only time will tell which team he decides to leave his legacy on.

 

 

Notable Awards

NCAA

Player of the Year

Defensive Defenseman of the Year

 

ECHL

CCM Most Valuable Player

CCM Defenseman of the Year

Sportsmanship Award

Edited by Blawn
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  • DollarAndADream changed the title to Brendan James Lawn Player Biography [1/2]

Review:

 

I like how he's not a typical northern raised guy where hockey can be found everywhere. I'm sure Florida can be a tough place to find quality hockey so it's understandable that he would be drawn to other things. Nice to hear he returned to the sport he loves and it has worked out so well for him even with all the struggles he's had with his game along the way. Looking forward to see how he will be able to adjust to the VHL. The only thing I can recommend is maybe adding a few more images to the bio. Other than that really well done

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  • DollarAndADream changed the title to Brendan James Lawn Player Biography [2/2]

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