Brad Priestlay skated for the Lakehead mens hockey team for five seasons and during that time he established himself as a top defensive forward.
Priestlay was known for his very fast skating and aggressive checking style and he often had to cover the most dangerous scorers on the opposing teams. He could always be counted on to give total effort on and off the ice.
Priestlay was a member of the 2005-06 Queens Cup winning team that also took CIS silver. He was named Lakeheads Best Defensive Player in 2007-08.
Priestlay finishes his Thunderwolves career 21st in all time overall scoring with 23 goals and 29 assists in 199 games. His 199 games played are third All Time for the Wolves; behind Andrew Brown and Joel Scherban.
Former Lakehead Head Coach Don McKee said Priestlay gave 100% in everything he did. Brad annually was considered one of the best defensive hockey players on the Lakehead hockey team. His penalty killing was exceptional and frequently he was assigned to cover the most explosive player of the opposition. His fluid skating style made him versatile enough to play any position and his super attitude made him a key member of the lineup every game. Brad should do well if he chooses professional hockey.
Priestlay is also one of the two brother combinations to have played for the Thunderwolves as his brother Craig was one of the original pioneer players for the Wolves. Both played together on Lakeheads Queens Cup winning squad.
Priestlay will be leaving Lakehead with a Business degree and is hoping to pursue a pro hockey career.
Name: Brad Priestlay
Hometown: Kamloops, BC
Program: Business
Sport: Hockey
Years as a varsity Lakehead Athlete: 5
Lakehead/OUA/CIS Honours/Medals:
Lakehead Defensive Player of the Year 2008
Q & A with Brad Priestlay:
1) What are your fondest memories as a Lakehead varsity athlete?
Being a part of the OUA champs and being able to play on the same team as my brother.
2) What do you think was your top athletic achievement or performance as a Lakehead Varsity Athlete?
The year we won the OUA Queens Cup Championship because it was the first time Ive won a championship and my brother was on the team as well.
3) What did being a Lakehead varsity athlete teach you that will help you in your life after university?
Being able to have time management between sports and school.
4) What are you plans after graduating from Lakehead?
Hopefully maybe play pro somewhere; if not then try and find a job that I will enjoy and try to golf everyday.