The day begins with a pair of workouts - yoga and running a large set of stairs - coupled with lip service talking about how much he loves the Wild and State of Hockey. It's similar to what we've seen in previous episodes (in fact the stairs was its own webisode) but differs from Cal Clutterbuck's episode. There are no weights in sight yet that doesn't stop the effort Brodziak gives in each discipline.
Plus it takes skill to do yoga in a hat.
After a morning working out, Responsible Kyle comes in and takes over. Heading to a sushi lunch with his wife, son and brother it is apparent that he enjoys being a father and around family (and "Youngblood," which is being shown for some reason). They play a bigger role later in the episode as Brodziak goes back to his childhood home to visit his mother, reminisces about his old shinny pond and how his father never let him play goalie outside of it. Even his grandparents are represented due to 1970s couches. At times they keep him grounded and others inspire him - like the inspiration for Brodziak's "Movember" mustache.
Along with finding out tidbits like Brodziak playing a goalie as a kid (mostly because he had the pads), there is another rink visit...
...another "Wild cribs" style tour...
...and the world's largest Easter Egg.
The formula of the show, which takes parts of "NHL 36" and "24/7 Hard Knocks," is consistent after two episodes and like episode 1 with Cal Clutterbuck, this one paints Brodziak with a positive brush. However the same issues arise in that it's a self-contained piece which doesn't comment on the off-season pickups or the upcoming season. That's hard given the current climate of the NHL and as a promotional piece but is a small complaint. I enjoyed finding out more about Brodziak and he wasn't afraid to be himself on camera, telling viewers about playing piano and even taking Ukrainian dance.
In the end, episode 2 is an interesting look at Kyle Brodziak's life which reinforces his role on the team. Hard working. Responsible. A two-way center.
Check out the entire episode below.
"Becoming Wild" airs every Thursday on Fox Sports North provided there is not a Lockout. If the NHL and NHLPA figure out a deal, next week's episode showcases Dany Heatley and Tom Gilbert. If they don't, enjoy a free half-hour and less screencaps.
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