Gwidt right at home with Grizzlies
He might be a Wisconsin native, but nowadays Brent Gwidt calls the Salt Lake Valley home.
Gwidt, in his second full season with the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies after playing four years of NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, lives in the area year-round with his wife, Amanda.
“The organization, the city, Maverik Center – it’s all top-notch,” said Gwidt. “Most guys head home a few days after the season ends, but I was the only one who stayed last summer and I really got to see a lot of the community and meet a lot of great people.”
After finishing up his career at Omaha in 2012-13 – he dressed 30 or more games all four seasons with the Mavericks – Gwidt played a handful of games with the Grizzlies and then signed for the following season.
He says his adjustment from the NCAA ranks to the pro game was fairly seamless, with one notable exception.
“You play more games as a pro and practices are a lot shorter,” explained Gwidt. “And for games, it’s not a set schedule like it is in college where you play on Friday and Saturday, for the most part.
“Here, you might play Friday and Saturday in one place, bus home and then play again Monday and then Wednesday.”
Originally drafted in 2006 by the Washington Capitals, Gwidt went on to play three years with the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League before his time at UNO.
Now, he’s thrilled to be a member of the Grizzlies – and the local community.
“There’s just so many guys (on the team) that want to be here,” Gwidt said. “The organization treats us extremely well, and I’m very, very happy to be here.”
– Matt Mackinder