Steinbach Pistons forward Braden Birnie announced he has committed to Alaska-Fairbanks for the 2023 season.

Birnie talked about the process leading up to the big announcement. "Over the past couple of weeks, we've been in contact with the coaching staff of Alaska. (My family and I) decided to take the offer that they presented after (Sunday's game in Selkirk), so we're super excited to be playing Division 1 hockey next year."

Being brought to Steinbach at the trade deadline, Birnie says he just hoped for a chance to show what he can do. "Coming here that was always the goal to get a scholarship like this. It's all pretty real now, which is really exciting."

As a 20-year-old about to graduate from junior A hockey, the Weyburn, Saskatchewan product admits the thought of 'what's next', is always there. "It's always something you're thinking about. When (I) got here and you see all the players that have already committed and the number of players that could commit from here, it makes you think about it even more. It makes you want to just be that much better, as well. I think when I got here, it really became a possibility and I'm just super lucky that it ended up happening."

"The biggest thing is, it's going to be something different," Birnie says when asked why he chose Alaska. "It's something I probably wouldn't do if it wasn't for hockey, so it's exciting. They have a really good schedule, they're an independent team. They play good teams, fly all over and have a pretty good schedule. When the offer was presented, the more we looked into it, it just made sense and it's really cool."

Birnie will not be making this new adventure alone, he's going with teammate and linemate Zach Power who announced his commitment a few weeks ago. "I think it's one of the things I'm most excited about. We've really clicked since we both came here. We're going to be living together and it just makes things easier when you know someone. It's something we did talk about when the process started happening and now that it's a reality, we're both really looking forward to it."

Being close to his family, Birnie says having them around when the final decision was made meant the world to him. "Having them here this weekend, going through the whole process, and making the final decision, it was one of the best things that could have happened. I wouldn't be where I am today without them. All the sacrifices they made for me, the hours they put in, it's definitely not something I'm taking credit for myself. I don't get here without them. Getting to see the excitement on their faces when we had the official news, was kind of the best part for me. Getting to share the moment with them is something I'll remember forever."

Another special moment would come when he told his fellow Pistons players. "One of the best parts of this team is just how close we all are," Birnie says with a smile. "How everyone wants just what's best for everyone else. Seeing how excited they were for me, the hugs and congratulations, they were all just so excited for me and it made it so easy to enjoy the day. We all hung out together and it was so awesome to have their support. I couldn't have done it without them and the success we've had. It was great to spend the day together."

With his NCAA commitment all sealed up, Birnie is ready to get back to the task at hand, bringing the Turnbull Trophy back to Steinbach. "The goal coming here was to win a championship. That was number one. It just so happened that I was lucky enough to get this scholarship along the way. But, the championship is the goal. It helps me sleep a little easier and now it's back to the soul focus of winning a championship. It's good to know where for sure I'll be next year and I'll be able to play a little easier knowing that."

Birnie is the 7th Steinbach Pistons player to commit to the next level of hockey/education. His photo will be going up next season in the VIP for all to see. A testament to hard work and character.

While he may be a Piston for only a few months towards the end of his junior career, he'll be remembered and admired for a long time.