skip navigation

Player Spotlight: Gabe Braun & Austin Westergaard, St. Mary’s Springs’ Dynamic Duo

By Matt Carey, Contributor, 12/20/24, 2:00PM CST

Share

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this article are solely those of Matt Carey and do not reflect the opinions of Wisconsin Prep Hockey or its partners.

Synergy is a word that is more frequently used in recent years to describe a pair of players who work well together, have chemistry, and ultimately have success. Sports commentators will highlight synergy as a reason a player scored off a great pass from his linemate.

In the NHL, Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point are described by media and coaches as having synergy.

In the WIAA, St. Mary’s Springs Ledgers senior captains Gabe Braun and Austin Westergaard have synergy. Together Gabe and Austin have a chemistry that brings out the best in both. When Gabe and Austin are thriving, the Ledgers are thriving.

Gabe and Austin played pivotal roles to guide St. Mary’s Springs to the 2024 WIAA D-2 state championship. Both returned to St. Mary’s Springs this season to help the Ledgers as they were moved up by the WIAA to D-1.

“Gabe and Austin are both highly skilled offensive players with high hockey IQ’s and the synergy between the two of them was instrumental in our state championship last year and is leading to early success this season. Even more impressive is their coachability and their willingness to play defense first, along with doing the little things that actually win hockey games. They set the standard of what it means to be a Ledger, through their discipline, effort, sacrifice, and commitment to their craft.” Kevin Collien, head coach, St. Mary’s Springs

“Gabe and Austin were on the top scoring line for the HP-18 team at last year’s NIT. Gabe goes hard to the net and plays a 200-foot game. He does the heavy lifting in the dirty areas. Austin is an underrated player. He is an unselfish player and looks to pass first. Austin has really good awareness, good hands, and he can really shoot the puck.” Cal Roadhouse, head coach, Team Wisconsin HP-18 NIT Team

Let’s hear from Gabe Braun and Austin Westergaard!

Congratulations on the great start to the Springs season. Gabe and Austin: Thank you!

When did you start playing hockey?

Braun: When I turned 7 my parents got me hockey gear for my birthday.

Westergaard: I think my dad got me on skates when I was 5.

Where did you play youth hockey?

Braun: Fond du Lac up until pee wee, then Gamblers, then Team Wisconsin at 14U.

Westergaard: Fond du Lac until peewee, Gamblers until freshman then I played for Springs.

Did you play on the same youth teams? Gabe: We never did. The first time we played together is as freshman at St. Mary’s Springs.

In April you represented Wisconsin in the HP NIT Tournament…how was that experience? Braun: It was great. Great exposure. Fun time all around. I played on the same line as Austin and Adam Sexton (Brookfield Stars).

Westergaard: It was great! It was fun to play against good competition. And it was good to play on the same line as Gabe.

You both played in the fall, Gabe you played in the Elite League with TW and Austin you were at CarShield…how were those experiences?

Braun: Some of the greatest exposure I have played in front of, and good development because the level of play was so high.

Westergaard: The competition was good, but I returned home to play my senior year.

Did anyone in your family play hockey?

Braun: No, I am the first one. My buddy Ty Bashaw played, and he got me into it.

Westergaard: My dad played at UW Stevens Point.

What is your favorite hockey memory?

Braun: Last year I was injured in the beginning of the season, our team had a horrible start to the season, but I came back (from injury) and then we won state.

Westergaard: Winning state last year.

What is your pregame ritual?

Braun: Normally I tape my sticks and try not to eat two hours before a game.

Westergaard: I go to the same restaurant and get the same pregame snack.

What hockey skills do you have that separate you from the competition?

Braun: My size and my speed.

Westergaard: My shot is pretty good. I can see the ice good…my vision.

Is there an NHL player you model your game after?

Braun: I like to model certain skills of a lot of players.

Westergaard: Austin Matthews is my favorite.

Who is the most influential person in your life?

Braun: My parents. They have provided everything for me.

Westergaard: My mom and dad have taken me everywhere for hockey, and gave me all the opportunities to be a good player. My dad is like a second coach.

What is the plan for hockey after high school?

Braun: My goal is to play juniors next year.

Westergaard: I want to play juniors somewhere.

What do you want to do for your career?

Braun: I am thinking about majoring in kinesiology.

Westergaard: Something in the trades. I want to be an entrepreneur in that trade.

Do you play any other sports?

Braun: I play golf. I used to play baseball, soccer, and football.

Westergaard: Everything I could. Golf for Springs, baseball as a freshman and sophomore.

What do you enjoy doing in addition to sports?

Braun: I like to work out.

Westergaard: Hang out with my friends. Go to the lake. Play golf.

What is your favorite food?

Braun: Tenderloin steak at Theo’s.

Westergaard: Tenderloin or sirloin. I am not picky. I just like steak.

What is your favorite music group or type of music?

Braun: Rap. Drake.

Westergaard: Country. Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney, Zach Bryan.

Where is your dream vacation?

Braun: Greece.

Westergaard: Cancun.

Chocolate cake, brownie, or apple pie?

Braun: Chocolate cake.

Westergaard: Brownie.

Pickup truck or sports car?

Braun: Sports car. Ferrari.

Westergaard: GMC Denali Truck.

Final thoughts?

Braun: I want to thank my parents, teammates, and friends because they make it more fun.

Westergaard: I want to thank my mom and dad, grandma for helping me with school, my siblings, teammates, and all my coaches.

Best wishes to Gabe & Austin and St. Mary’s Springs!

Yours for hockey, Matt Carey

 

YOURS FOR HOCKEY

Player Spotlight: Cal Zinda, 12th grade, NHM Rockets

By Matt Carey, Contributor 01/30/2025, 10:00am CST

Player Spotlight: Gabe Pankratz, 12th grade, Eau Claire Memorial

By Matt Carey, Contributor 01/20/2025, 6:30pm CST

Player Spotlight: Matt Richter, 12th grade, Madison Edgewood

By Matt Carey, Contributor 01/16/2025, 11:15am CST

Player Spotlight: Austin Lamer, 12th grade, Tomahawk

By Matt Carey, Contributor 01/03/2025, 3:30pm CST

Drew Schock NTDP Update

By Matt Carey, Contributor 01/01/2025, 12:45pm CST

Weekend Recap: 3rd Annual Bill McGann Tournament

By Matt Carey, Contributor 12/30/2024, 2:00pm CST