Brendon Mercier will be suiting up for the first time ever at Nationals with Team Alberta floor hockey team.

At 27 years old, it’s something he’s excited about and will be going there to prove his coaches and teammates right that he deserves to be playing with them.

He shared a little more about what it meant being selected to Team Alberta after being involved with Special Olympics for the last seven years.

“I am thrilled and so proud,” says Brendon “I want to do my very best to show I am worthy of this honor”

His goals for Nationals in Thunder Bay are quite simple: to do his very best and hopefully win gold.

To reach this goal, Brendon has been working on his cardio and improving his conditioning.

Although, his preparation doesn’t stop there.

Training in Grande Prairie out of the Eastlink Center a few times a week, is how Brendon is getting ready to join his St. Albert teammates for the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Thunder Bay.

Helping him along the way are coaches in Grande Prairie, Gregg Leblanc and Barry Parker, which Brendon says has been great for helping him improve his game.

Brendon is also active outside of floor hockey playing baseball and golf in his spare time.

Other people who’ve been instrumental in helping Brendon’s athletics are other athletes and most importantly, his parents.

“My parents are my heroes,” says Brendon. “They help me with everything and always encourage me to do my best and try my hardest.”

He goes onto say that, ever since he was little, his parents encouraged him to be active and enrolled him in sports.

Brendon says it’s been a group effort with lots of different people in his corner helping him train. Other athletes, his parents and coaches are all helping Brendon be the best player he can be for Team Alberta.

That also extends to eating right, which is an integral part in Brendon’s training routine.  

He has loved his experiences being an athlete for Team Alberta so far and encourages anyone who is unsure of getting involved with Special Olympics Alberta to do so.

“Don’t be afraid to try,” says Brendon. “Just show up and there are always people to help. It has been an amazing experience for me.”

That same sentiment about Special Olympics extends to his family. When asked about why people who haven’t watched or supported Special Olympics, Brendon had this to say:

“My mom always tells people that watching Special Olympic athletes is a joy. She says the sportsmanship and character of the athletes is something that all athletes should strive for.”

As for what Brendon will bring to the floor hockey team in Thunder Bay, he says the best part of his game is his positioning and speed.

He says he plays a smart game and doesn’t get sucked into chaotic puck battles - scoring goals by staying in his position and waiting for his chance.

Let’s hope Brendon and Team Alberta will enjoy plenty of success in 2020.

Visit https://www.specialolympics.ca/2020-team-alberta to stay up-to-date with all things Team Alberta 2020. And to check out what is going on in Brendon’s local affiliate, Grande Prairie click here.

Friends and family should follow this link to find out how they can attend games and you can cheer on the Wolfpack by picking up your Team Alberta 2020 cheer gear!

Join the pack and support the team through fundraising initiatives like Draft an Athlete or Personal Best.

Also, be sure to check out http://specialolympics2020.com/ for all the latest news updates regarding the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Thunder Bay from February 25 – 29.