OLDS — Grizzlys defenceman Tristan Baumung is highly respected by his teammates and the coaching staff for his ability on the ice, but also his leadership and community involvement.
In early January, the 20-year-old Sundre native was named an RBC Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Community Ambassador for the season.
Under that program, each team in the 16-team league nominates a player in recognition of their exemplary commitment to the community.
In 2021, Baumung received an Alberta Junior Hockey League Top Rookie award.
Coaches and players praise Bauming for his versatility – his ability to not only play defence but also be an effective forward.
Assistant coach and assistant general manager Pete deGraaf describes Bauming as “a really reliable defenceman.
"He is clearly our strongest defensive defenceman,” he said during an interview.
“He sometimes plays forward on the power play because he has a good net front presence and he can score goals when he has a chance.”
DeGraff said Bauming is also a leader in the dressing room.
“(He’s) great in the community. Very well thought of by his teammates and coaching staff,” he said.
Like many other players interviewed by the Albertan, Bauming said he was attracted to the Grizzlys organization primarily because of the reputation of head coach/GM Scott Atkinson.
“He’s a little bit school,” Baumung said, but he likes Atkinson’s emphasis on defensive hockey first.
“I find that’s a key aspect to winning games,” he said.
Baumung believes his skating, stick handling and vision up-ice has improved since he joined the team.
When interviewed, Baumung had a lot of ideas on what career he might pursue when his hockey career is over.
He said he’s interested in becoming a physiotherapist or athletic therapist or perhaps a chiropractor.
Baumung could also see himself as a physical education teacher.
“I kind of like working with kids,” he said.
