Brayden Pawluk started his junior hockey career with the Virden Oil Capitals in the 2015-2016 season where he played three games. After a full season with the Elite Hockey Academy south of the border, Brayden returned to 'Oil Country'.
The now 21-year-old played 88 more games with Virden before he was acquired by the Dauphin Kings during the back half of the 2018-2019 season. He played 80 games with Dauphin, 57 of which including the playoffs came last season.
In 54 games prior to the playoffs last year, Pawluk scored six times and he added 31 assists. One of his goals was on "Teddy Bear Toss Night" when he scored Dauphin's first goal in what was ultimately a victory against the Winnipeg Blues.
Pawluk's junior journey came to an end after game three of Dauphin's series against Portage. It was a game in which the Kings won in double-overtime; however, it was their last game as the novel coronavirus shut down the sports world.
Although his junior days were over, a commitment back in April of 2020 would see him continue playing competitive hockey as he signed on to play with the Minot State Beavers, a member of the American Collegiate Hockey Association.
Brayden has been south of the border for a few months now and despite many conferences and divisions not being able to play due to restrictions, the Beavers have played in six games.
"I'm very fortunate that I'm able to play hockey right now," said Pawluk. "A lot of my friends back in Manitoba can't play right now because of 'Code Red' so it's a special feeling being back on the ice."
The Beavers played two preseason games -- both of which were wins -- as they outscored Williston State, 18-2. Opening their season back on October 23, they won their first two games against Jamestown and they split two games with them this past weekend.
The team is 3-1 in regular-season play with their next set of games coming on December 4 and 5.
"We have a great group of guys and we have all come together really well," said Pawluk. "I think everyone has some pretty high expectations so it's exciting to see what's next for us."
This past weekend was a big one for Brayden. Playing Jamestown on Saturday, Pawluk scored his first-ever Division 1 regular-season goal in a 6-5 loss. He followed that up by scoring another goal on Sunday and so far this season, the hard shooting defenceman has three points.
"It felt great. I was looking forward to this moment when I scored all summer since I committed," said Pawluk. "It was great to get the monkey off my back and now the flood gates are open so I'm looking forward to pushing forward from here."
(Pawluk hammers one home from the high slot).
He says his favourite thing at Minot State is getting to know his fellow teammates and making some great friends along the way. Brayden is another case of former Dauphin Kings advancing to do big things at the next level.
