A Chatham native is looking to give kids the same chance he got as a hockey player at the University of Michigan.
Former Chatham Maroon Brian Wiseman is entering his sixth year as an assistant coach with the Wolverines hockey team.
"I believe in what we do at the university level, I have passion in what we do at the University of Michigan," says Wiseman. "To be able to bring kids into this environment, and hopefully provide them the opportunity I was given, is really driving."
Wiseman played at the university in the early 90s, a time when, as he'll admit, everyone was talking about Wolverines football. But the hockey program has been gaining steam, culminating in Michigan's Big 10 Conference Championship this past season.
Playing for the Maroons early in his career, it was Wiseman's dream to play for the Wolverines.
"I wanted to get a great education that I could come back to Canada and be recognized, it would springboard my next career. At the same time I wanted to continue my hockey career and play at the next level," says Wiseman.
Wiseman also spent time with the Chicago Ice Wolves, and was a part of the Toronto Maple Leafs farm system.
He was in Chatham this week, being honoured at the Chatham Maroons home opener against Sarnia.