After a solid first season with the Grizzlies in the 2022/23 season last year, Brady Schwab returned this season and has stepped up as the captain of the team for this year.
Schwab played 30 games last season, with the centre earning five goals and four assists in the regular season. In the playoffs, Schwab contributed with 13 playoff appearances and added five more assists to his tally for the year. Looking ahead at the season, Schwab talked about what it meant to him to be named captain, how his dad influenced his game, and what attracted him to play centre.
Although Schwab dons the big ‘C’ on his Grizzlies sweater this season, he doesn’t plan to change the way he plays or acts — and that, he said, was the point.
“You’re the point that everyone looks at,” he began, “but there’s a lot going on behind the scenes.”
The 20-year-old has been an assistant captain before, but this will be his first season as head captain, so ahead of the season he spoke to former captain, Will McPhee, for some advice. McPhee offered only a few recommendations, urging Schwab to ‘trust himself’. Schwab said that he liked the way that McPhee led the team, including how he kept calm and composed, which was indicative of the kind of person he was.
Asked what he considered to be the main qualities of a leader, Schwab responded with a similarly level-headed approach to his predecessor.
“I’d say not changing who you are.”
Schwab explained that although the title of leader is imprinted on his chest for everyone to see, the things that people don’t see are what make a good leader.
“It’s just setting a good example for everyone else.”
With a younger squad filling out the Grizzlies roster, Schwab is well-positioned to have a firm understanding with all of the players bother younger and older than him.
In the centre is just where Schwab wants to be, which is why he chose it from a young age as his position of choice.
“I’ve always taken pride in my defensive side of the game as a forward,” said Schwab.
He also indicated his enjoyment for playing a key role in the circle. Schwab said that being strong in a faceoff gives the team an advantage every night, which he can do as a centre.
Schwab’s maturity in his approach to the game is evident. His quietly confident approach is something his dad, Corey Schwab –a former NHL goaltender– instilled in he and his brother.
“He would like to keep a low profile,” said Schwab, adding that his dad told him to “go about your business, and do things the right way.”
The example his father set for his mental approach to the game was also matched by a sharp hockey mind after a career’s worth of experience as a professional. Schwab said that the result was a fountain of knowledge who always had specific tips for his game.
“You can ask him anything, and he’s got an answer for it.”
When speaking to the team, Schwab spoke on something that frequently arises surrounding the Grizzlies organization: hard work. Whether it’s players, coaches, or a long list of dedicated volunteers, the Revelstoke Grizzlies organization often circles back to ensuring everyone is working hard, which Schwab touched on as he discussed his message to the new players.
“Show up every day ready to work hard. That’s one of the main things you can control and if you do that, you’re gonna have success.”
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