The defender was pivotal in the team’s success, posting 29 points, five goals and 24 assists, in 40 games to lead all defencemen on the squad in scoring and earned All-NCHC Second Team honours.
Throughout his collegiate career, Wiebe was also leaned on off the ice by the coaching staff to be a key voice and presence in the locker which he stepped up and took pride in on a daily basis.
“I thought I was consistent throughout the season and was able to just take another step in my development,” he said. “Wearing an ‘A’ and just growing as a leader on and off the ice and kind of helping those freshmen coming into college because I know it can be tough coming in.
“Through my time there with Brad Barry, Dane Jackson, Dylan Simpson, who was my defensive coach, and then this year with Matt Smaby coming in, they’ve done an unbelievable job with that program. They’ve done so much for me in developing me as a player and especially just as a human being as well and I’m just so thankful that I was able to be a part of that and be a part of that culture. There’s nothing like it. Sad to see it end, but I’m also just really excited for the opportunity heading to Calgary.”
And the opportunity is coming fast, with Wiebe available to make his NHL debut tomorrow night when the Flames take on the Kraken to close out a six-game road swing.
“I could thank so many people in my life for getting to me at this point,” he said. “My mom, dad, brothers, sisters, just the countless hours of driving me to the rink at six in the morning for practice and taking time out of their day to let me pursue my dream.
“I think I’m just going to go out and enjoy the experience and have fun. It’s something that I’ve worked my whole life towards and to be able to get to this point is just a surreal experience. I’ve dreamt my whole life towards this and just want to go out and don’t overthink it.”