Chad Guderian Will Bolster Lone Star Brahmas Playoff Chase

With the Lone Star Brahmas at the two thirds mark of the season and the NAHL Trade Deadline looming on Friday Feb 6^th, Coach Dan Wildfong pulled the trigger on a deal that brings forward and Coppell, TX native Chad Guderian from the Odessa Jackalopes in exchange for forward Eric Carreras.

Guderian brings experience and leadership to roster having played 105 games in the NAHL over the past two plus seasons in Odessa. In that time he has put up 32 points on 14G – 18A to go along with 92 PIMs. This season Guderian has 6G – 10A in 44 games played as the Jackalopes Captain. “(Guderian) gives us a lot more depth, especially on the penalty kill,” Wildfong was quoted as saying. “His work ethic is exactly what we want here. He’s someone hard to play against and that’s what wins in the playoffs.”

Making these kinds of moves are never easy. Teams in the playoff hunt must weigh the short term benefits of bringing in a veteran player in their final year of juniors in exchange for a quality player like Carreras with another year of eligibility. Those decisions are compounded when the trade is made within the division knowing that you will likely face that player several times the following season. “Carreras will be sadly missed here,” Wildfong told LoneStarBrahmas.com. “Next year he would fit into our plans perfectly. It’s just a good hockey trade for both teams.”

The fact that he is going from a team whose season will be over by the end of March, to a team with a legitimate chance of capturing an NAHL South Division Crown and a long playoff run is not lost on Guderian. He is excited for the opportunity the move brings. It means a lot, playing in the playoffs means playing longer and getting more exposure,” Guderian said. “Everyone wants to win a championship and the Brahmas have a really good chance at it this year. I am excited to give it one last shot in my final year of juniors.”

Chad describes himself as a smart player who tries to keep things easy and is always working as hard as he can. “I am always trying to lead by example,” he said. “Fans can expect to see that I am always going to give 100% no matter the circumstances or score of the game.”

Like most players in the league, Guderian is hoping to earn an NCAA D-I scholarship which would be a big benefit to his parents who he speaks of with great respect. “My parents have always been my biggest inspiration. They have taught me everything,” Guderian said. “I have seen what they have sacrificed for me to get where I am today in life and in my hockey career. They have done everything for me.” That support extended as far as his parents making the 5 ½ hour trek from Coppell to Odessa for all the Jackalopes home games to watch him compete.