Brenden Kotyk's path to the University of Minnesota Duluth was anything but conventional. After playing for one season just down the road at the College of St. Scholastica, the Regina, Saskatchewan, native  opted to transfer to UMD and thus become the first NCAA Division III skater to ever enlist his services with the Bulldogs.

Due to NCAA transfer rule, Kotyk had to sit out the entire 2013-14 season, but was able to practice with his new teammates. Nothing, however, for the following year was guaranteed

"Basically, he took a chance on himself," said UMD assistant coach Jason Herter, who had watched Kotyk play during his time with the Manitoba Junior Hockey League's Dauphin King. "But that year was probably one of the best things that could have happened to him because he proved to us with his outstanding work ethic in practice that he was ready.  Brenden believed in himself, bet on himself and he won. He was determined to be a D1 hockey player and that was that."

Last Friday night, Kotyk scored the first game-winner of his Bulldog career in UMD's 4-1 victory at then third-ranked St. Cloud State University. He's now appeared in 49 career games with the Bulldogs and has three goals, five assists and plus-minus rating of +5  to show for it. Kotyk, who is majoring in public health, is just as diligent with his work in the classroom and has qualified for National Collegiate Hockey Conference All-Academic Team honors in each of the last two years.

"I don't know if I've met a kid with more determination than Brenden," said Herter. "He's had his share of doubters along the way, but he proved a lot of people wrong."

HIS FAVORITES
Opponent: Minnesota
Opponent Arena: Ralph Engelstad Arena (North Dakota)
Road Trip: Denver, Colo.
Professional Athlete: J.J. Watt
Professional Team: Columbus Blue Jackets
Pastime: Playing street hockey with friends
College Course: Human Nutrition
Prized Possession: My cross chain
TV Show: King of Queens
Singer or Group: Dallas Smith
Book (Author): Mind Gym (Gary Mack)
Food: Pizza
Movie: Old School
Actor/Actress: Tom Hardy/Kate Beckinsale
Restaurant: Hanabi Japanese Cuisine (Duluth)
Vacation Spot: Katepwa Lake (Regina, Sask.)
Video Game: WWE 2K15
Mobile App: Instagram
Website: Google.com

PERSONALLY SPEAKING
Why I Chose UMD: Because of the great reputation and tradition along with UMD willing to take a chance on me (coming from Scholastica).
First Played Competitive Hockey: Age 4
Hockey Strength/Weakness: My size and shot/My down low corner play
Game Day Ritual: I go to the morning skate followed by a cold tub, eat a pregame meal, take a nap, shower and then grab Hoagie (Dale Haagenson).
Most Memorable UMD Hockey Moment: Yet to come!
Why I Wear No. 10: I have been wearing it since playing midget hockey back home when I was 15.
Best Opposing Player I've Ever Faced: (Former Boston University forward) Jack Eichel.
Pet Peeve: Sweat pants without pockets
Biggest Fear: Running the mile in 6 minutes.
My First Job: As a cashier at Zellers (like Target in Canada)
Person I'd Most Like to Meet: Kris Letang
What Most People Don't Know About Me: I love racquetball and I have four tattoos.
If I Could Change One Thing About Myself: I would have quicker feet.
Something I Never Leave Home Without: My cross chain
Sport I'd Like to Try Someday: Baseball
The Best Thing About College Hockey: The atmosphere on game night, the friendships you make and the education you receive all while playing hockey.
Influences On My Athletic Career: My mom
Advice to an Aspiring Young Athlete: Don't listen to other people's negativity, use it as motivation  -- success is the best revenge.
Post-UMD Plans: Play professional hockey.