Butkiewicz Trades Cleats For Skates

Bryceton Butkiewicz walked off the football field as a rebel and on to the ice to play with the Minnesota Wilderness.

When Bryceton Butkiewicz was on the football field, he gave it his all.

“It was kind of relaxing almost because I just leave everything I got with football no matter where, how far, or what we do,” said Butkiewicz.

Butkiewicz stopped being a rebel when Moose Lake lost in the first round of sectionals. Choosing to bypass his senior hockey season to play for the Minnesota Wilderness.

“I think just what was right for me at the time, and everything seemed to come into place,” said Butkiewicz.

“We had the deal in place with him this summer after tryout camp and we respected that and respected him wanting to be loyal to his football program,” said Head Coach Tim Madsen.

Making the transition from cleats to skates wasn’t easy for the running back turned forward.

“It was definitely a difference in what muscles I use,” said Butkiewicz.

“There’s hockey shape and there’s football shape and it’s completely different so it took Bryce two or three weeks to get into hockey shape,” said Madsen.

Butkiewicz played his first two games with the wilderness, tallying two assists. Now, there’s just one thing left to do.

“Hopefully I can get a goal sometime soon,” said Butkiewicz.