Say the name Mike Wehrstedt and Lakehead fans will think of timely goals; like two OT winners against York in the 2007 playoffs. Other will think non-stop hustle and 100% effort while some will remember his ferocious slap shot. Others will remember a player who was a leader both on and off the ice and always made a point of representing Lakehead hockey at many events in the community.
However you remember Mike Wehrstedt; he graduates from the Wolves hockey team after five great years of solid hockey and excellent memories and leaves as one of the most popular fan favorites in team history.
The Wolves assistant captain leaves the squad ninth on the Thunderwolves All Time Scoring List with 44 goals and 60 assists for 104 points in five seasons. He has won various Lakehead and OUA and CIS honours; such as OUA and CIS Male Athlete of the Week and RBC Academic All Canadian.
Lakehead Head Coach Don McKee said Wehrstedt made invaluable contributions the Lakehead hockey program. Mike, a Thunder Bay boy, has completed five years of commitment to the Thunderwolves Hockey Program and Lakehead University. As he graduates with a Bachelor of Education at the end of this term, he will be well prepared to take on the challenges of being a teacher. Mike's love for life, his enthusiasm for learning, and his dedication to attain his goals, were traits he exemplified in his hockey environment. His leadership skills were always evident on the ice, in the dressing room, and in the community. He is a true professional and his students of the future will be better for having him as a teacher.
Wehrstedt obtained his Bachelors degree in Arts and is now completing his Education degree. He is contemplating continuing his hockey career in Europe and also becoming a teacher.
Name: Mike Wehrstedt
Hometown: Thunder Bay
Program: Education
Sport: Varsity Hockey
Years as a varsity Lakehead Athlete: 5 years
Lakehead/OUA/CIS Honours:
1)Lakehead Most improved Player Award,
2)Lakehead Best Work Ethic Player Award
3)Lakehead Male Athlete of the Week
4)OUA Male Athlete of the Week
5)CIS Male Athlete of the Week
6)CIS RBC Academic All Canadian
Questions Section:
1)What are your fondest memories as a Lakehead varsity athlete?
Wehrstedt: Winning the Queens Cup without a doubt is number one. Coming home after 5 years of being away was great, gave me an opportunity to play in front of friends and family. Then scoring back to back overtime winners to beat York in the 2007 playoffs ranks up there and having the chance to play with my three brothers, Mark Soares, Brad Priestlay and Mark Robinson for a number of years!!
2)What do you think was your top athletic achievement or performance as a Lakehead Varsity Athlete?
Wehrstedt: Playing on the BMW line (Brown, McPherson and Wehrstedt) gave me a chance to score back to back overtime winners in the playoffs in 2007 against York and that was an amazing feeling.
3)What did being a Lakehead varsity athlete teach you that will help you in your life after university?
Wehrstedt: Time management was number one. Enjoy life while you have the chance because time flies by when you are having fun!
4)What are you plans after graduating from Lakehead?
Wehrstedt: Couple options. I would love to play over in Europe if the opportunity was there, start working as a teacher, or go back to school for another year.