Josh Bretner: Wootton Ice Hockey
The Wootton Patriots have several key standouts that have played a vital role in contributing to their overall success, the most notable would be: Josh Bretner.
Photo By: Howard Bernstein / GamedayMD.com
Josh Bretner is arguably one of the most dangerous hockey players on the ice in all of Maryland.
Photo By: Howard Bernstein / GamedayMD.com
As a junior, Bretner, has propelled the overall level of play even further by his pure natural talent.
Photo By: Howard Bernstein / GamedayMD.com
ROCKVILLE, MD - In the world of sports winning the championship is a difficult challenge. However, winning the championship back to back can be even more challenging and it is a testament to the players on the team. Such is the case with the Wootton ice hockey team, who is currently defending their back to back titles.
They recently ended their undefeated three year winning steak, when they lost to Whitman on January 26th. Like all great teams, the Patriots have several key standouts that have played a vital role in contributing to their overall success, the most notable would be: Josh Bretner.
The Slap Shot
As a junior, Bretner, has propelled the overall level of play even further by his pure natural talent. A good example of this can be seen in last year's championship game; where Bretner was able to literally dominate his opponents through his speed and ability to keep them away from the puck.
Then, when he is left alone on the open ice, he scores another goal. This exactly what happened in the 4-2 victory over Whitman during that game, showing that Bretner is more than just some up and coming hockey player with promise.
Never Settle for Anything Less
Bretner is arguably one of the most dangerous hockey players on the ice in all of Maryland. What makes him such a cunning opponent to play against is his constant dedication to always becoming something more than he is. During his leisure time when most people are not playing hockey, Bretner, continues to work on his game.
One way that this objective is accomplished, is through the various leagues and programs that he plays for outside of the Patriots. Where, he has played solid defense for the elite, Team Maryland Under 18 and leads the league with 5 goals as well as 12 assists.
Bretner also has his sights set much bigger and better with him saying recently, "I'm trying to get into a junior league called the United States Hockey League. They sent 100 players to Division I level hockey for the past five years." What this shows, is that Bretner is determined to go much further in the sport of hockey, beyond the Patriots.
His constant work with the Team Maryland Under 18, has allowed him to play against some of the best in the country. This has helped improve his natural ability to overwhelm opponents, because he is constantly being pushed to go to the next level.
Mutual Admiration
Like all great players, Bretner, is not simply someone willing to accept that he is the core nucleus of the team. Instead, he works closely with his other team members to ensure that the team always comes first. As a result, the younger players are having chance to develop because of this belief.
To find such evidence, you can look no further than the development of Haley Skarupa. Together, both Bretner and Skarupa have become that dominant one - two punch that has made Wootton such a tough opponent this season.
Going Beyond Montgomery County
Ultimately, Bretner would like to play Division I hockey and possibly professional. There have been a number of college scouts from around the country that have been actively courting the standout. So far, he has been visited by: Brown, Michigan and Northeastern.
While he has not committed to any of them, Josh is constantly being watched by the various scouts. With one recently saying, "Bretner is an unstoppable force that has great natural ability, quickness, strength and he can play with the toughest of players. What is most interesting about him is his ability to provide core leadership to the younger players. All of these different elements are what make him so exciting to watch."
What all of this shows, is that Josh Bretner is one of the top players to watch in Montgomery County Hockey. While, no one knows what the future may bring, it seems as if he could be one of the best hockey players in the country as a senior.
Especially, when you consider the fact that he is only getting better. This is what makes Josh Bretner an up and coming player to watch.
