Maine's Breazeale Takes the Journey From Walk-On to Captain

by Tyler Kuehl/CHN Reporter (@TJKu29)

In today’s game, the path to college hockey usually sees young athletes go from either high school or AAA to top-tier junior hockey — such as the USHL or BCHL — before finding their name on a D-I roster.

However, Maine captain David Breazeale used the foundation set by his family when he was growing up in Grandville, Mich., and his exceptional work ethic, to become one of the leaders for college hockey’s hottest program.

Breazeale grew up with two older brothers, both of which played hockey for their father, Joel, at Grandville High School. According to his Dad, there was something about David that set him up to take his game beyond West Michigan.

“Ability-wise,” Joel said. “I don’t think there was ever doubt in my mind that he had that potential, but watching the college game, it’s not the potential, it’s the desire that that’s your end goal and you’re willing to run the gauntlet to get there … because you love it so much.”

After graduating high school, David joined the Shreveport Mudbugs of the North American Hockey League, the second-highest junior league in the U.S. He became one of the team’s leaders on and off the ice, captaining the Mudbugs to the Robertson Cup in 2021.

Despite having success, David didn’t have many full ride offers to play D-I hockey, but he did have a few scholarships available if he wanted to focus on academics. However, Maine assistant coach Jason Fortier, who had coached against David in the NAHL, picked up the phone and gave him a call.

“We had won the national championship,” David said. "I was on my way home … and [Fortier] called in June, and was like, ‘Hey, we’d love to give you an opportunity to come up here,’ and I jumped at it. How do you turn down a Hockey East opportunity? My dream was always to play Division I hockey.”

David packed his bags and moved to Orono, joining the Black Bears initially as a walk-on. However, his work ethic, along with a couple of players leaving the team after the first semester, led him receiving a scholarship. He made a significant impact right away, so much so that Barr named David an alternate captain as a sophomore, before becoming a co-captain as a junior.

The 6-foot-4 defender knew that it wasn’t going to be easy to become an everyday player. Yet, he paid his dues and, with the coaching staff's help, has become one of the team’s top blueliners.

“I knew it was going to be a lot of work and I had a lot of growing to do in my game. I got an opportunity and I just tried to make the most of it. [Head coach Ben Barr] and the whole staff have been unbelievable to me in giving me a chance to grow as a player.”

Joel recognized his son’s ability to push himself to reach that next level at a young age, which has been the driving force behind his success.

“The one thing that gave us confidence,” Joel said, “was how diligent he was to personal improvement. He was a highly structured person. He didn’t need to be supervised a lot to improve. ... He showed all of that on top of having the prerequisite of being a very strong hockey player.”

Having both raised David and coached him through high school, Joel admits that his son’s ability to play in various situations and be a character guy in the locker room has made him a reliable asset anywhere he has played.

“He’s a very adaptable player. He could fill different roles. You see in the college game, you can start out as the kid that can go end-to-end as a 10-year-old, but if you’re going to stay in the game … you have to create value for the team you’re with.”

David still wears the ‘C’ on his sweater as he goes through his final year of college hockey. He assures that being bestowed the honor of captaining the Black Bears is not one he has taken lightly.

“I was pretty speechless when [I was named captain],” David said. “I got a little bit emotional because of the history of this program, the captains that have come before me. I still can’t believe it sometimes, I have to pinch myself.”

He is part of an exceptional Maine team that went unbeaten in its first seven games. He says the team's strength comes from its core, which has grown together over the years, and the new faces that have entered the fold.

“Each year that I’ve been here to improve and take steps forward,” David said. “This year we’ve added a lot of depth from the transfer portal and the freshmen that have come in. I think that has been a huge boost for us. Also, just guys stepping up and becoming big-time players for us that have been here for 3-4 years.”

With this being the 24-year-old’s final season of college eligibility, he admits that he’s trying to stay focused on the present. Still, he admits an opportunity to play pro would be something else.

“I just try to take it a day at time. … I’d love to continue to play hockey at the professional level if the opportunity came. Being able to play at a high level, and hopefully get the opportunity to do that for a few more years, would be an absolute dream come true.”

David has attended the Los Angeles Kings and Detroit Red Wings’ development camps over the past two summers.

Whether or not his career ends this spring or continues into the pro ranks, David’s family has been excited to witness what he has been able to accomplish.

“His mom and dad are obviously been very proud,” Joel said. “The part that makes us just as proud is the pride his brothers have to see him successful in a sport they both love.”

“I’m blessed to have a family that’s really close,” David said. “Supports me in everything that I do, whether I’m playing D-I hockey or not…I know they’d give me their full support. I think it means a lot to them.”