BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Kal Tire Sudbury Junior Wolves forward Brenden Biedermann loves
the city and can't imagine playing hockey anywhere else in the
world.
It's easy to see why the product of Moose Factory is enjoying
his time in the Nickel City. In his fourth year in the NOJHL
(one with Rayside-Balfour and the last three with Sudbury),
Biedermann is one of the most prolific goal scorers in the
entire league. Despite missing the team's first three games,
while he was trying to earn a spot with the Sudbury Wolves,
Biedermann has taken the NOJHL by force and is easily the most
feared shooter in the league.
Through his first 17 games, Biedermann had 20 goals and 29 points. He leads the league in goals (and is the only player averaging at least a goal-per-game pace) and is second overall in points, one behind teammate Scott Restoule.
"I moved away from Moose Factory when I was 14 to play bantam
hockey in Sudbury," said the 19-year-old. "I've played in
Sudbury for the last three seasons. It's been great living
here. I've never wanted to leave. I was given the option of
playing in North Bay, but I said no way. Sudbury is the best
fit for me. I can't picture myself playing junior hockey
anywhere else. I never will. It's been a great move here for me
overall."
Prior to this season, Biedermann's best season was in 2004-05,
when he recorded 18 goals and 41 points in 47 games. He's
already shattered his personal best mark for goals (20 in 17
games) and is on pace to also eclipse his best point total as
well.
No one is more shocked at the wild goal-scoring pace than
Biedermann himself.
"I am surprised," said the six-foot-one forward. "I have scored
more goals already than I have in any other one season. This
year, I put more pressure on myself to score goals and so far I
feel I have delivered."
Although he relishes the scoring spotlight, Biedermann is like
most athletes who don't have a championship ring on their
finger. He would trade away all his goals for a shot at winning
the league's top prize.
Biedermann still feels the sting of the dramatic overtime loss
to Fort William in the Dudley Hewitt Cup this past spring. The
actual overtime goal haunts him.
"We were one shot away," said Biedermann. "What made it worse
was I was on the ice when the final goal was scored that ended
our season. I watched it all take place. It was my guy, who I
was covering, who scored. All I had to do was lift his stick
and then who knows what would have happened after that. It's
definitely motivation for me this season."
Going one step further and hoisting the Dudley Hewitt Cup above
his head would be the dream this season.
"My main goal is to get back to the Dudley Hewitt and win it,"
said the 185-pound skater. "It's the most important thing to me
right now. It's a realistic goal to go back and win it this
time. I'm not just saying it...that's the way I feel about this
year's team. "
Biedermann believes the 2006-07 Junior Wolves have the right
stuff and are being formed into a powerful unit.
"Since Day 1 of this season, we've been getting stronger on and
off the ice," said Biedermann. "Bonding as a team is a big part
of success. That's what separated us from a lot of teams last
year. With each week, we're all getting closer.
 It helps with accountability. We see we're first in the standings and it makes us feel great about ourselves."
The Junior Wolves have put a lot of stock in their crafty and
explosive scorer.
"Brenden is the kind of player who gives 100 percent the whole
game...each game," said head coach Tom Faganely.
 "You always know what you're going to get from him. There's not too many shifts or periods where he's not giving his all and best."
Biedermann is an all-around force.
"He's an impact player with his strength and the way he moves
the puck. Obviously he can score goals. He also plays the power
play and on the penalty kill. He has played both wings and
centre. The only positions he hasn't played are defence and
goaltending."
Playing junior hockey has made Biedermann a more complete
person and helped him become better at dealing with difficult
situations.
"Hockey has taught me a lot...I've been cut a few times and
learned how to bounce back," said Biedermann. "I have no
regrets. I've had some tough times, but have grown from them.
"
Biedermann will attend Cambrian College in January 2007. He
will study business and hopes to major in marketing.
 Biedermann can be seen in action this week when the Junior Wolves take on the Soo Indians at the McClelland Arena in Copper Cliff tonight at 7:30 pm.
