skip navigation

DICK'S SPORTING GOODS PITTSBURGH PENGUINS ELITE ALUMNI FEATURE - BRIAN KRAMER

05/21/2020, 3:30pm EDT
By admin

Alum Brian Kramer currently plays for the Fargo Force in the United States Hockey League and is also committed to Robert Morris University.

We caught up to chat about his time in the Pens Elite program and how he has adjusted to playing in the USHL. 

Photo Credit - Mitch Highman

HOW WAS THE ADJUSTMENT FROM YOUTH HOCKEY TO COLLEGE?

Everything is a little bit faster, skating and puck movement. There’s less time to make decisions and plays with the puck.

HOW MUCH DID YOUR TIME WITH PENS ELITE HELP GET YOU TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

Playing for Pens Elite helped me tremendously. We played against great competition, as well as practices, skills, and weights throughout the year helped me play at higher levels.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR ANY CURRENT PENS ELITE PLAYERS ON HOW TO REACH THEIR GOALS?

Trust yourself. Some people get down on themselves when they’re not committed or playing juniors at a young age. Keep working hard and take advantage of your opportunities when they come.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY DURING YOUR TIME AT PENS ELITE?

Competing at Nationals during my 16U year in Pittsburgh. We did pretty well in a tough group.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE TEAMMATE?

Noah Beck, we play very similar to each other, so when we’re down late, it’s fun to play with him as a D partner.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU?

We usually have open ice/skills every morning at 9:30, then we go to workout right by the rink at 11, go and grab lunch after, come back to the rink for practice at 2, hang out with the guys or billets after for the night.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PRE-GAME MEAL?

Always pasta with chicken.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RINK TO PLAY IN AND WHY?

Our rink in Fargo is the best, the atmosphere’s always electric and a great facility too.

WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE RINK TO PLAY IN AND WHY?

Tri City. It’s a long trip for us, and we have had some problems with the ice during games. They’re a tough team to play against at home.

Tag(s): Home