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 — Stefan Miklakos is ready to get things started. The Army (Atlantic Hockey, D1) commit kicks off his second year in Brahmaland with seven points (6g-1a), after finishing within the top five rookies on the team in games played (34), goals (6) and points (7). Miklakos is looking forward to make up for lost time this season. Keep reading to find out the skater’s thoughts on last season, how he’s been staying in shape in the off-season, and what he’s planning to do to make the 2020-21 year the best one yet.
Brahmas Media: How would you describe the 2019-20 season in your own experience?
Stefan Miklakos: It was a very successful season. It was run by a great group of leaders and older guys that helped ease in the first-years and rookies. They helped us through tough situations and games during the season, which made us more prepared rather than other teams that didn’t have as many veterans. We were also pushed to another level during our practices, which translated to our games. I’m hoping all the work we put in last year will translate into this season.
BM: What was it like when you learned the season was canceled?
SM: I was sad for our older guys because they definitely had the talent to continue in their hockey careers and because of the shortened season, they might have seen more looks from schools. I was sad that they didn’t get what they deserved because they put in the time and were really beneficial for me when I came in last year. It was a great group of guys and we all got along really well and made memories.
BM: How have you been staying in-shape and motivated during the longer off-season?
SM: I stayed down here in Texas, so luckily I was able to skate and do home-workouts. Some days were hard because you obviously want to get on the ice to play games, but I wanted to stay on a good routine each day, be healthy, eat right, and keep my mind busy by staying active. I’m grateful that the season will hopefully be starting soon.
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?
SM: I think I’m a skillful forward that can play transition hockey and be quick, but I’d like to become more reliable in the defensive zone and produce more. It’s a goal of mine to become a good two-way forward.
BM: What are you most excited for regarding this upcoming season?
SM: I’m excited to make more great memories. I love every second of being on the ice with a great group of guys. I’m ready to get started and have good games to follow in the same footsteps we started last year.
Fast facts about Stefan Miklakos:
Height: 5’10
Weight: 176
Position: Forward
Shoots: Left
Hometown: Pelham, N.Y.
Favorite–
Movie: Django Unchained
Ice cream flavor: Pistachio
Breakfast food: Bagel with cream cheese
Hockey player: Matt Barzal
Season: Winter
Dream job (besides hockey player): Extreme sports athlete
Superpower of choice: Super speed
Dream vacation destination: Mykonos
Hidden talent: Playing the guitar
Best thing about living in North Richland Hills: The community
Sydney Johnson is a media and content intern with the Lone Star Brahmas.