BROOKS, AB – Brooks Bandits defenceman Ethan Lund has been named Captain for the 2021-22 season, the team announced on Monday. The 2001-born blueliner from Calgary, AB is returning for his fourth season with the team.
“It’s an incredible honour; leading a group of teammates is a very humbling and exciting opportunity,” he said.
“I had three great captains to look up to during my time in Brooks with Nathan Plessis, Jakob Lee and Taylor Makar. Each were great leaders in their own ways, but they all had one thing in common; all three had a selfless attitude, creating a sense of unity throughout our locker room, something that has been critical to the Bandits success while I’ve been here.”
Lund committed to Niagara (NCAA Division I) during the 2020-21 season. Among his career highlights include being named to Team Canada West and competing at the 2019 World Junior A Challenge in Dawson Creek, BC.
“We’re fortunate to have people like Ethan in our organization. He comes from a great family that is extremely supportive of both his goals and our organization,” said Bandits Head Coach and GM, Ryan Papaioannou.
“The opportunity for him to return as our Captain will give him a chance to continue rounding out his development prior to joining Niagara University. Ethan has been a tireless worker over the past three years and has set himself up to become a tremendous leader for our group. His experience will be second to none as he’s been with our team through the AJHL Playoffs, Doyle Cup and National Junior A Championship. In addition, he played a key role with Team Canada West at the World Junior A Championship and helped navigate our group through this past COVID season. Due to his experience and leadership ability, it was an easy decision to name him the Captain of the 2021-2022 Brooks Bandits.”
Lund has dressed in 128 regular season games for the Bandits, notching 56 points (7G, 49A), and has appeared in 15 playoff games since his rookie season in the 2018-19 season. Lund won an AJHL and National Championship in 2019; but was denied two playoff runs in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19.
“This past year I learned how to handle uncertainty,” he added.
“There were no guaranteed games, forcing our team to stay focused and ready to capitalize on all our opportunities. I believe bringing a grateful attitude everyday will help us fulfill the high expectations in Brooks.”
Lund was recruited out of the Calgary Northwest Athletic Association U18 AAA Flames, joining the Bandits as an affiliate in the 2017-18 season.
Preparations for the 2021-22 season are underway, which is scheduled to begin in the fall.
