UJ Athletics: Tyson Brouwer

TYSON BROUWER’21

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Goaltender makes impact in Jamestown both on and off the ice. Over the last five seasons, very few American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division 1 goaltenders have put together a resume like that of Tyson Brouwer.

The native of Lethbridge, Alberta was an honorable mention selection on the ACHA Division 1 AllTournament team in 2017-18, then earned honorable mention All-Athletic honors and was named Most Valuable Player of the Division 1 Independent Conference in 2019-20. Brouwer’s name has been prominently featured among the leaders of the ACHA’s major goaltending statistical categories as well. Last season, Brouwer led the Independent Conference in wins (23), saves (809), and was second in save percentage (.936). Earlier this season, Brouwer set the ACHA record for most games played by a goaltender, breaking the previous mark of 130 set by Central Oklahoma’s Alex Henry (2015-20). While Brouwer has enjoyed tremendous success on the ice, he has worked hard off the ice to become an involved member of the Jamestown community. Community involvement and giving back has been important to Brouwer since his junior hockey days in Kimberley, British Columbia. When Brouwer arrived at Jamestown, he stuck to those principles that had been instilled in him and vowed to make a difference whenever he could.

The Jimmie hockey team partnered with Jamestown Regional Medical Center for a breast cancer awareness game last season, and the event proved to be successful. Brouwer approached JRMC’s Katie Ryan-Anderson this season with the idea of donating money for every save made at home in the 2020-21 season. So far, Brouwer is around the $200 mark, and has had a pair of individuals express interest in matching his donation.

Despite being nearly 13 hours from home, Brouwer has made Jamestown and the University of Jamestown his second home.

“Before I came to UJ, I didn’t really know what to expect,” Brouwer said. “I didn’t have a tour, so I came in blind. The growth UJ has gone through in my time here, in terms of upgrades to campus and new facilities, is amazing. I know that I’m very proud to say that I play for the University of Jamestown.”

Spending the last five years at the University of Jamestown has had a positive effect on Brouwer, currently enrolled in the UJ graduate program.

“I’ve just really grown as a person and have done a lot of growing up since I came here,” explains Brouwer. “I’ve also grown as a goaltender and an athlete. I think UJ forces a person to change in a good way—you’re taken out of your comfort zone and challenged as an individual. I think that brings about the best in people, which is why you see the success of UJ alumni.”