By Jadon Frank

 

It is not easy backing up one of the best goalies in Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference history, but Briercrest’s Christian Mueller is using this year to learn and grow so that he can continue with the foundation that has been laid.

The Winnipeg native moved across the border to play at Briercrest largely based on reputation.

“I came because of my cousin who played hockey here a number of years ago,” Mueller said. “He really enjoyed it and encouraged me to come, as well, to play hockey and to attend a Christian college.”

Mueller, who was awarded the top goalie at the AAA All-Star game, says his first experience in goal for Briercrest stood out as a memorable one.

“My favorite moment was the first time I started a game against Minot State,” the six-foot goalie said. “The crowd was really good, and it was a pretty surreal experience!”

Mueller has noticed a special atmosphere on the Briercrest hockey team this season.

“The most special thing about the team would definitely be the guys on the team,” the Business Administration student said. “We are a pretty tightly knit group of guys who go and battle every weekend, it has been awesome to be a part of a team like this.”

Briercrest hockey coach Dalton Stoltz has observed Mueller this season and is encouraged by what he has observed,

“Christian has been placed in a unique situation to backup one of the best goalies in ACAC history in Jesse Chenard,” Stoltz said. “With this unique opportunity I have watched Christian become a sponge and learn what it means to be a man who competes, battles and never gives up.  If Christian applies these lessons learned on the ice to every area of his life, he will be able to succeed at whatever he puts his mind to.”

Mueller has been working hard to focus on his strengths and grow this year.

“My biggest strength, I would say more so this year, is my hard work towards improving what I do; things like working with Jesse and coach and working on improving my game,” he explained. “What I bring to the team is hard work and leadership. I am always trying to push myself and help push my teammates to do our best as a collective group so we can continue to work hard and strive for wins.”

Mueller’s work ethic shines through when asked for the best piece of advice he could give someone.

“Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do,” he said. “Do your best and let the results take care of themselves.”

Mueller has clear goals for what he hopes to accomplish during his time at Briercrest.

“As a student, I am really working on becoming disciplined and striving to reach a 3.0 GPA this semester,” he said. “As an athlete, my goals are to push hard and work to become a starting goalie here for the next couple of years.”

Though only in his first year at Briercrest Mueller has dreams for when his career draws to a close.

“I would love to continue to pursue a career in hockey, but also a career in business and one day work for our family business.”

Mueller’s parents have had a great impact on his life.

“They have backed me through thick and thin and have always been there for me in my life endeavors.”