BSM Senior Brady Yakesh is leaving nothing behind this hockey season, recently verbally committing to the University of Minnesota to continue his athletic career.

Yakesh has been playing hockey since he was two years old, first starting off as a forward then transitioning to a defenseman in seventh grade. Yakesh has played for BSM since his freshman year and has been a key player for the Red Knights. Yakesh led the team in assists (34), short-handed goals (2), plus/minus rating (+54), and ice time, while scoring 10 goals and 42 points in 28 games. Yakesh grew up watching the Gophers and was excited when the opportunity to play at the University of Minnesota presented itself. “I’ve always grown up watching the Gophers so it’s kinda like a dream come true when they finally reached out,” Yakesh said.

Yakesh began the commitment process this fall, gaining interest from multiple collegiate teams. Yakesh says the process began with getting recruited through scouts watching his high school games. Yakesh says the process happened quickly. “It happened pretty fast. A couple teams saw me play over winter break and they reached out and wanted to talk about my future playing for them and coming to visit,” Yakesh said.

Yakesh has a style of play that makes him a highly valuable player. Known for his strong puck handling skills and play making abilities, BSM Boys Hockey coach Ken Pauly explains Yakesh’s impact on the program. “He’s got terrific eyesight on the ice. I’ve been doing this a long time and he’s one of the best passing defensemen that I’ve ever coached,” Pauly said.

Yakesh explains the choice to attend the University of Minnesota came after visiting multiple different schools, getting a feel for each school and what his college life would be like. Yakesh says his choice came down to two schools: Air Force and U of M. Ultimately, family was something that led him to the U of M. “What really led to my decision is I still have both sets of my grandparents still with me and my family and friends will be close,” Yakesh said.

Yakesh says he received tremendous support from family and friends after announcing his commitment. “My family was really proud of me and it was super nice to see all my friends’ reactions to it and how supportive they were,” Yakesh said.

The BSM blueliner is currently playing for the Chippewa Steel in the North American Hockey League and plans to get drafted into the United States Hockey League. “I’m gonna get picked up in the USHL draft here in May,” Yakesh said.