Q&A with David Brandes
Earlier this month, the Ontario Hockey League conducted both their Priority Selection and U18 Priority Selection.
Through those two processes, the Soo Greyhounds welcomed eighteen (18) players to the Program.
Starting today we will introduce you to members of this year’s draft class through a ‘Q&A’ feature exclusively here on soogreyhounds.com.
Today we start things off with the Greyhounds 3rd Round Selection in the OHL U18 Priority Selection – David Brandes.
PERSONAL/FAMILY:
Full Name:
David Lewis Brandes
Nickname(s):
Dave or Bam Bam
Hometown:
Toronto, Ontario
Place of Birth:
Toronto, Ontario
Parents names:
Josh and Heather
Siblings (brother/sister, age, name):
Sister Amy; 15 years old
Pets (kind/name):
Dog named Henry; a sheepadoodle
HOCKEY
Previous three teams you have played for?
Don Mills Flyers (Current year – 2021)
St. Michael’s Blues (2017 – 2021)
Toronto Redwings (2019, 2020 seasons)
Most memorable moment:
When the Toronto Redwings coaches named me Captain of the Minor Midget season.
What is your main motivation on the ice?
To be the very best I can be and help my team to win games.
Hockey Idol?
Cale Makar
What challenges did you overcome to get where you are now in hockey?
It was challenging to maintain my physical strength and endurance while being unable to play in competitive games throughout the pandemic. I can’t wait to get back to playing hockey.
What do you know about the Soo Greyhounds or the City of Sault Ste Marie?
Wayne Gretzky and Paul Coffey played for the Greyhounds. More currently, Darnell Nurse and Joe Thornton were Greyhounds. Amazing alumni! I love the puck possession philosophy enforced by the Greyhounds.
Words of advice for a player aspiring to be drafted/play in the OHL?
I would have to say that you can either prove them right or prove them wrong. Leave it all out on the ice and good things will happen.
FAVOURITE:
Colour:
Blue
Number:
10
NHL Team:
Toronto Maple Leafs
Sport other than hockey:
Lacrosse, football, golf, and basketball.
Hobby/Hobbies:
Golf, MMA, fantasy football, travelling, and hanging with my dog.
Food:
Steak, fish, pasta, escargot, tofu, and avocado.
Videogame:
I do not play video games.
TV Show:
Outer Banks and The Office
Movie:
Creed I
Band/Music genre:
Country Music (Florida Georgia Line)
Meal:
Steak with mashed potatoes and caesar salad
OTHER
Do you speak any other languages?
A little bit of Spanish
Biggest fear:
Sharks!
Who has been the most influential person in your life:
My parents are the most influential people to me. They encourage me to be the best that I can be and always have my back. They have always been there for me and support all of my endeavours.
If you could hang out with one celebrity (dead or alive) who would it be:
Russell Westbrook or Rain Wilson from The Office
What did you want to be when you were small:
An NHL hockey player
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Los Angeles, California
Any hidden talents or something people don’t typically know about you?
I co-run and own a successful barbecue cleaning business in the city of Toronto
What was the best vacation you ever took and why?
Azul Fives in Mexico; the food, the weather and the beach were incredible.
What could you not live without:
My family, friends, and sports
You were stuck on a deserted island, what three (3) things would you bring with you?
Machete, fire starter, cooking pot
Snapchat/Intstagram or Facebook?
Snapchat
Over the last 15 months during Covid, what has helped you stay focused. What have you spent most of your time doing?
Over the last 15 months I have continued to set goals for myself and worked hard at school and on my game. I have surrounded myself with great friends who have the same aspirations as myself, so that we can try and achieve our goals together, while providing one another with constant motivation and support.
DAVID BRANDES
Position: RD
Height: 5.10
Weight: 175 lbs
DOB: January 24, 2004
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