The Lone Star Brahmas return ten skaters for the 2020-21 season, including Joey Baez, Cole Beilke, Luke Burke, Jack Collins, Andrew DeCarlo, Mitchell Digby, Stefan Miklakos, Malcolm Palmer, Dylan Smith and Joey Trazzera. Brahmas media spoke to each player to learn about the abrupt end to the 2019-20 year, off-season activities and what they are looking forward to for the upcoming NAHL season.
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS — Cole Beilke knows this year will be different from last. The forward started his rookie season in Brahmaland slowly before hitting his stride near the midway point recording ten points (1g-9a) in 46 games played. But Beilke knows his role and is looking to expand his leadership in the defensive core for his sophomore season. Keep reading to learn how the Stevens Point, Wis. native plans to make a splash during the 2020-21 season.
Brahmas Media: How would you describe the 2019-20 season in your own experience?
Cole Beilke: It was very eventful with everything that happened. It left the whole team devastated at the end of the season with the abrupt ending–we all got sent home within a week of our last game. We had a great core group; there were a lot of older veteran players that helped show us rookies the ropes before Coach had to teach us all of that.
BM: What was it like when you learned the season was canceled?
CB: We had just played a game and the next day we learned the NHL had suspended their season, which kept us on edge. We had a few days before learning ours was suspended and then basically packed our bags and said our goodbyes. We were planning on making a pretty good playoff run and winning a championship, so it was pretty disappointing.
BM: How have you been staying in-shape and motivated during the longer off-season?
CB: It’s been difficult with all of the gyms being closed. At my hometown gym, you need to wear a mask and make an appointment an hour before you want to work out. Luckily, I have a gym in my house and was able to get on the ice three times a week, so I kept my legs all summer. The longer off-season was weird because everyone left for college and I was stuck at home just working and waiting to hear what was going to happen for us. I’m excited to get going with the season and see everyone back in Texas.
BM: What is one part of your game that you’re confident in and one part you’re looking forward to working on this season?
CB: I’m confident in my skating ability and being able to get away from people on the ice to protect the puck. One thing I’m going to work on this year is my offensive capabilities to shoot the puck more. There’s a lot of big roles to fill this year and I’m looking forward to helping out on the defensive end.
BM: What are you most excited about regarding this upcoming season?
CB: I’m most excited to meet all the new guys and see how we bond. I believe our team will have very good chemistry and will connect well on the ice.
Fast facts about Cole Beilke:
Height: 6’0
Weight: 160
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
Hometown: Stevens Point, WI
Favorite–
Movie: Step Brothers
Ice cream flavor: Chocolate
Breakfast food: Eggs
Hockey player: Quinn Hughes
Season: Winter
Dream job (besides hockey player): Structural engineer
Superpower of choice: Flying
Dream vacation destination: Punta Cana
Hidden talent: Good at water sports
Best thing about living in North Richland Hills: Billets/fan base
Sydney Johnson is a media and content intern with the Lone Star Brahmas.