Graduating Thunderwolves mens hockey player Andrew Brown was called Captain Clutch for his timely scoring, hard work, and selfless dedication to the team. The fifth-year graduating senior was captain of the hockey Wolves for the past two seasons and had an exemplary career as a Lakehead varsity athlete.
This season Brown was named the winner of the CIS Randy Gregg Award; given annually to a CIS hockey player who best combines excellence in hockey, academics, and community service. Brown also won the Lakehead equivalent of that award last year when he won the Hank Akervall Award. He also led the CIS in game-winning goals in 2007-08; thus earning his appellation of Captain Clutch.
During his on ice-career; Brown always put the team first; and his career offensive numbers would be much higher were it not for the fact that he was often employed as a defenceman during his time with Wolves hockey. Lakehead hockey fans will always remember his exuberant skates onto the ice when he was chosen as a Molsons Three Star; exemplary of his joy of playing the game of hockey.
Former Lakehead Head Coach Don McKee said Brown was a perfect leader for mens hockey. "Coaching brings many rewards and in many different ways. The opportunity to work and develop a relationship with some outstanding individuals would definitely rank near the top. Andrew Brown is one of these special individuals. His excellence both as an athlete and a student is evident in his performance over five years at Lakehead University. As a captain of the team, he led his teammates on and off the ice. He was committed to the university, the hockey team and the fabulous Wolves fans. His legacy will live on at Lakehead.
Brown always had high grades in the classroom and did many acts of community service in Thunder Bay. He earned an HBA in Geography and a Teachers Degree while he wants to achieve a Masters degree in Geography as well.
Brown finishes his Lakehead hockey career in 9th place on the Thunderwolves Career Overall Scoring List with 61 goals and 64 assists, 9th in Thunderwolves Career OUA Scoring with 42 goals and 37 assists, as well as being the All Time Career Penalty Minutes leader with 390 total minutes.
More importantly; he will end his Lakehead varsity career as one of the most popular and respected student-athletes to ever don a Lakehead uniform.
Name: Andrew Brown
Hometown: Bancroft, Ontario
Program: HBA Geography & Bachelor of Education (I/S)
Sport: Mens Hockey
Years as a varsity Lakehead Athlete: 5 years
Lakehead/OUA/CIS Honours/Medals:
1) Lakehead Athlete of the Week (a couple times)
2) Lakehead athlete of the month (Jan 2008)
3) Winner of Hank Akervall Memorial Award (2008)
4) Dr. Randy Gregg OUA Nomination (2009)
5) CIS Dr. Randy Gregg Award Winner (2009)
Q & A with Andrew Brown:
1)What are your fondest memories as a Lakehead varsity athlete?
My fondest memory was when we won the OUA championship (Queens Cup) in 2006 and I also enjoyed hosting the Cavendish Cup and having my family in town to watch the games.
2)What do you think was your top athletic achievement or performance as a Lakehead Varsity Athlete?
- Top individual achievement would be winning the CIS Dr. Randy Gregg Award in 2009.
- I also think that my 2007-2008 season was good, in that I scored 24 goals during the entire season.
- Winning the Queens Cup in 2006
- Winning the Varsity Cup (Christmas Tournament) in 2008.
3)What did being a Lakehead varsity athlete teach you that will help you in your life after university?
I learned in order to have success in life, you need to surround yourself with enthusiastic and dedicated people that are committed to a common goal. The people at Lakehead University and Thunder Bay have a special attitude that rubs off on other people and creates a very enjoyable atmosphere to be around.
4)What are you plans after graduating from Lakehead?
I plan on going back to Lakehead to pursue a Masters degree.