Ask any coach what's the one thing that the very best teams they've coached have had, and every single one of them will tell you the same thing -- leadership.
As the University of Minnesota Duluth women's hockey team skated off the ice after its Western Collegiate Hockey Association Final Face-Off semifinal game at Ridder Arena, arguably one of the program's greatest leaders made her final appearance in a Bulldog jersey. While other players had been more notable in the stats or with the media over her four years at UMD, it's hard to argue any player made more of an impact into the depths of the program quite like three-year captain, Sydney Brodt.
Brodt committed to UMD prior to the coaching change in the spring of 2015, and although she could have uncommitted and gone to programs with longer tenured coaches at the time, Brodt chose to honor her commitment. The product from North Oaks, Minn. was determined to rebuild the program, and made it clear to UMD head coach Maura Crowell that she wanted to put Bulldog hockey back on the map.
As luck would have it, Brodt had excellent role models her first season at UMD. With current assistant coach Ashleigh Brykaliuk and Sidney Morin at the helm as captains, the Bulldogs had an NCAA Tournament-worthy season. Posting a record of 25-7-5, the Bulldogs hosted the first-ever NCAA tournament game at AMSOIL Arena that season, and Brodt carved out a role on UMD's second line, contributing eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points in 35 games. Despite her freshmen status, only three forwards had more points in the season -- All-American Lara Stalder (56), Brykaliuk (45) and Katerin McGovern (34) -- all seniors.
With just 35 games under her collegiate belt, it was Brodt who took the leadership mantle from Bryakliuk and Morin as a sophomore. Only the second-ever sophomore to ascend to the program's highest on-ice leadership role, Brodt earned a "C" on her jersey, despite having 10 upperclassmen on the team during the 2017-18 season. Brodt was assisted by seniors Catherine Daoust, Jessica Healey and Linnea Hedin that season, but with their unwavering support, Brodt took to the role she appeared almost destined for.
"As a leader, she did it all," said Crowell. "She has been a top performer in the weight room from the start and as a result, our overall team's performance in the weight room has steadily improved over the years that Syd's been a part of the program. That off ice commitment translates onto the ice and allows us as a team to succeed within such a strong and physical conference. Her example and preparation for practices and games instilled good habits in her teammates as well and raising the bar for our program in general."
Brodt's senior campaign saw the winger soar to new heights offensively. Just months after capturing her first IIHF gold medal with the U.S. National Team in April, Brodt took the reins of a squad that would finish the season ranked the No. 8 team in the nation. Brodt almost doubled her previous collegiate high for points, unloading for 41 points in 36 skates (19 goals, 22 assists -- both career highs as well). With three game-winning goals and six game-winning assists, Brodt literally had a statistical mark confirming her will to win in half of the Bulldogs triumphs. But Brodt's legacy to the program that she courageously took a chance on has always been more than her on ice production.
"Her passion for Bulldog Hockey was clear from the get-go and it never wavered throughout her four years here," said Crowell. "She poured her heart into everything she did and everyone in our program knows that. We are all better because of Syd. Her impact will be felt for years to come."
UMD has long had the reputation of a place where some of the best players in all of women's hockey have suited up to play hockey. But it's hard to argue that any player has put a program more on her back than Brodt has these past three years -- and especially this past season. Talent can often be replaced, but the truest of leaders only come along every so often.
For the entire Bulldog program and fans everywhere, it's clear it was never an accident that the "C" on Brodt's jersey was so close to the three-year captain's heart. A leader that gave every ounce of her energy to creating a culture that will long outlast her, Brodt's legacy will forever be associated with heart.
