Bulldogs Unleashed: Jason Siedem

 

Jason Siedem. (Photo by Bryan Wilson.)

It has been a season to remember for Blackfalds Bulldogs forward, Jason Siedem, who
played his rookie-season in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) in 2021-22, as a
member of the league’s newest franchise. Not only did he help his team navigate an
inaugural season, but he has contributed offensively all year long, was a positive
example for his teammates off the ice and a leader around the community.

One area that the Bulldogs have prioritized this season is to establish a robust presence
in the local community and surrounding area by helping out at local events and by
committing time to various charitable initiatives. Getting out into the community and giving back to the fans is one of Siedem’s earliest memories of joining the team.

“I remember one of my first days here we did some wreath deliveries for Christmas and
just small stuff like that. It definitely makes a big difference in the community.”

Siedem initially began the 2021-22 season with the Cowichan Valley Capitals of the
British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) appearing in only three games, but since
joining the Bulldogs, has carved out a nice little niche in the close-knit community of
Blackfalds in central Alberta. Siedem heils from Madison, NJ and he explained that the
level of competition in and around New Jersey is high-end, and it really helped him
develop into the player he is now. As far as his early career development is concerned,
Siedem is proud of where he comes from and he appreciates the way the game has
grown in his hometown over the years.

“(Madison) is a little different than here, it’s a little warmer, but it’s a big hockey
community, definitely. So I grew up playing a lot of good players from my area, so it’s a
good spot,” Siedem explains.

Siedem brings an offensive touch to the lineup each night but he was recognized for his
leadership abilities early on in the season when he was given an ‘A’ on his sweater, as
the teams’ associate captain. The 19-year-old’s progression has been steady on the ice
since joining the Bulldogs, a fact that Siedem credits to the coaching staff who have
demonstrated a commitment to help him develop his game and take it to new heights.

“For me personally my game has been taken to the next level from when I first got here
and I think a lot of the other guys can say the same. I think we’ve grown a lot as a team
and it’s been awesome, I’ve loved it,” expressed Siedem.

“I think I’m definitely a guy who likes to be up in the offense, and I think what coach has
done is he’s turned me into more of a two-way player. He’s worked on the D-side of
playing and I think that’s big, so he’s helped me grow my game in other areas that I
needed it.”

Siedem’s commitment to the community in Blackfalds and to his Bulldogs teammates
did not go unnoticed this season, as he was the recipient of the organizations’ first ever
‘Teammate of the Year’ award. His continued effort working with the coaching staff and
his consistent commitment to improving his game on both sides of the puck also paid
dividends for Siedem, who picked up the team’s ‘Top Forward’ award as well, after
registering 43 points (16G, 27A) in 45 games this season.

Article By Bryan Wilson

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