Brett Olson, a 2005 graduate of Superior High School, has had a good year so far. He was named captain of the Waterloo Black Hawks, for whom he is starting his third year playing hockey, and he recently accepted an offer to play hockey for Division I Michigan Tech in the 2008-09 season.
In his first two seasons with the Black Hawks, Olson played in 96 games, netting 18 goals and 18 assists. He was also instrumental on special teams, anchoring the Black Hawk's penalty kill.
"It's a definite step up from high school," Olson said of playing for Waterloo. "It takes a while to adjust."
Olson has developed greatly as a hockey player since joining the Black Hawks, but he had not expected to be approached by Michigan Tech to play hockey.
"I was just kind of getting ready like any other season," Olson said.
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Michigan Tech then approached Olson and invited him to try out. Shortly afterward Olson was offered a full scholarship to play hockey.
"I decided that it would be my best option to play hockey and also get a good education," Olson said.
Another factor in his decision to play for Michigan Tech next year was the proximity to his hometown of Superior.
"I was fortunate to play for a quality (hockey) program in high school in Superior," Olson said. "That helped me prepare.
"All the hard work in high school and now (with Waterloo) has paid off."
Olson is currently on the injured reserve list after suffering a separated shoulder earlier in the season. He said it has been difficult to watch games from the bench and not be able to get on the ice and help his team, but he will be able to return to action Monday. The Black Hawks said he is expected to play in the games that weekend.
