DULUTH - For Brett Olson, life as a Michigan Tech Husky has been going well.

"I can't complain," said Olson.  "I try to just keep going out there every night and do the little things you need to do to keep that success going."

However, just a couple years ago, the Superior native didn't know if he'd be playing on college hockey's highest level.  After graduating from Superior High School in 2005, Olson played the maximum three years in juniors.

"With the way recruiting has gone in college hockey, everybody's in a big hurry and its when am I going to the next level?" said Michigan Tech coach Jamie Russell.  "I really give Brett a lot of credit, where he stuck it out."
"Some people need a little more development," adds Olson, who was a standout for the Waterloo Black Hawks of the USHL.  "Every once in a while some guys are late bloomers and that helped me along in my hockey career."

Olson actually chose to play that third season of junior hockey.  He had a chance to leave after two, but really wanted to play in the WCHA.

"The WCHA was where my heart was set," said Olson.  "I ended up having a few chances to go some other places but it just didn't feel right."

It's a good thing he waited.  Last year as a freshman, Olson started slow, but eventually became one of Michigan Tech's top forwards.

"His freshman year was a year where he certainly had some learning, but he didn't watch a few games eating popcorn in the stands," said Russell.  "He was on the ice and played a prominent role, right from day one."
"I got thrown into the fire," adds Olson.  "I was able to step in and get a spot and I had to earn to keep that spot."

This year, despite only being a Sophomore, Olson's contributions, and leadership have been recognized by his teammates.  Before the season, the Huskies voted him to be one of their assistant captains.

"Getting the 'A', receiving it from the guys on the team is a big honor for me," said Olson.  "I take it with great strides and try to the best I can with it out there."
"He's only a sophomore, but really has demonstrated some outstanding leadership qualities here so far," added Russell.

Through adveristy, Olson has persevered, and it paid off with a Division I scholarship.  That experience should serve him well as he reaches for his next goal, to play professional hockey.

"I took my time, was patient in juniors," said Olson.  "Now I'm willing to do the same thing, and we'll see how things develop from there."