MOORHEAD - When the NCAA hockey regional field was unveiled Sunday night, one school drew a collective "who?" from nearly anyone watching. American International College? It turns out one of the more popular alums is a former Moorhead Spud.
"When people asked where we're located you're better off just saying where the Basketball Hall of Fame is in Springfield, Massachusetts and then they get real confused with the whole hockey/basketball thing. I've been answering that question the last four to five years." former AIC captain and Moorhead Spud Bryant Christian said.
Christian may be the only American International alum you've ever heard of. He knows his school doesn't have the notoriety of a North Dakota or Minnesota, but he says the people in the sport know about his alma mater.
"College hockey is small, when we were playing Michigan, maybe something about AIC comes up but in general we have a good understanding of college landscape." Christian said.
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Christian's playing career ended last spring with some drama, when he broke his leg in his final game and skated one last shift on a fractured fibula. His emotions are high to see his former teammates in his home region this weekend.
"You're obviously a little disappointed, if you knew the guys in that locker room you know how hard they have worked to get here. As a alumni now, now I know how nerve wracking it is to be a fan." Christian said.
And there's another added twist to Friday's game. The Christian family will be torn when they take the ice with St. Cloud State.
"My brother (Jordy) played at St Cloud State, my brother is asking my parents who they're cheering for, but I know who they're cheering for." Christian said.
AIC faces top seeded St. Cloud State Friday night at Scheels Arena at 6:30.
