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Brandon Tanev: All Gas, No Brakes
As Brandon Tanev skates into training camp this season, it’s not just the start of another NHL season. It’s the beginning of something brand-spanking-new — again.
The veteran forward has taken his talents to Utah, where the relocated Utah Mammoth (formerly the Arizona Coyotes) franchise is building its hockey identity in Salt Lake City. For Tanev, the challenge feels familiar.
“It’s exciting — a new journey,” he says. “I’m excited to get down there, meet everyone, and experience Salt Lake City. When we played there last year, the fans were unbelievable. The energy in the building was special, and I think it’s only going to get better.”
A Career Earned the Hard Way
Tanev, 32, has never had anything handed to him. Born in Toronto, he worked his way through the junior ranks, earned a spot at Providence College, and carved out a reputation as a player who showed up in big moments. One of his most iconic moments on the ice came in 2015, when he scored the game-winning goal in the NCAA national championship against Boston University.
Winnipeg signed Tane in 2016, Pittsburgh locked him up with a six-year contract in 2019, and Seattle made him a centerpiece of their first-ever roster in the Expansion Draft two years later.
“I think, for me, it’s all about being remembered as someone who worked hard, did the little things, and played for my teammates,” Tanev says. “I’ve always been a pretty blue-collar player — lots of energy, lots of passion. You play with love for the game, and hopefully that echoes to your teammates and the people around you.”
That “all gas, no brakes” approach made him a fan favorite in Pittsburgh and Seattle, where his viral, wide-eyed headshot only added to his cult status.
Mentorship and the Locker Room
Ten years in, Tanev sees himself in a different role now.
“When I was younger, I was fortunate to have really good older players around me,” he says. “Now, as you get older, you want to do the same — be a good teammate, be a good mentor, be a good person.”
He knows that in hockey, personalities differ, but the mission doesn’t. “When push comes to shove, everyone understands when it’s time to play,” he says. “It’s amazing when you have a group of guys all working to achieve a common goal — winning games, winning a playoff series, trying to win the Stanley Cup. As you get older, you value those moments even more.”
The Game, and the Fans
Over a decade in the league, Tanev has seen hockey evolve. “The speed and skill are at an all-time high,” he says. “For me, my game hasn’t really changed. It’s about knowing your role, carving out your identity, and sticking to it.”
What hasn’t changed, either, is his connection to fans. “Whether you’re two years old or 102, hockey fans are unbelievable,” he says. “That’s what makes our sport so special.”
It’s why his time in Seattle stands out. “The connections and the people I met there were incredible,” he says. “I’m a passionate, energetic person, and I met a lot of similar people in the Pacific Northwest. I still consider some of them family.”
Golf as an Outlet
Off the ice, Tanev has found balance in golf. He picked up the game as a teenager when his parents dropped him and his brothers at the local course. Today, he’s a two-handicap who plays left-handed.
“To be honest, my hockey game translates pretty well,” he says with a laugh. “The movement of the lower body, the trunk, the midsection — it’s almost the same as a slapshot. Doesn’t mean the shot turns out well every time, but it feels pretty natural.”
Like his hockey game, his golf approach is fast and aggressive. “I love to try and hit the ball as far as I can,” he says. But the real joy comes from the people he plays with. “Whether you shoot 70 or 150, the experience matters more than the score. Spending four hours with your friends, your family, or even strangers — that’s what makes it special.”
Golf, he adds, is the perfect mental break. “Hockey is so intense. Golf lets you take a step back, relax, and enjoy time with the people you’re with.”
TRUE Linkswear and a Connection to Seattle
Golf also connected Tanev to TRUE Linkswear, the Pacific Northwest footwear and apparel company. While playing in Seattle, he visited the brand’s headquarters and got to know the people behind it.
“I love it. It’s casual, comfortable, and they’re just great people,” he says. “When you walk 18, you want to be in something that feels good. With TRUE, you can wear them on the course, to the 19th hole, even out with jeans. And for me, the relationships I built there are just as important as the shoes.”
His go-to pair is a sneaker-like model. “They look like something you’d wear out casually, but they’re perfect for the course. No aches, no pains — just comfortable.”
What Comes Next
Asked about golf goals, the competitor in Tanev doesn’t aim for milestones like scratch golf or chasing a certain number. Instead, his perspective reflects the gratitude that’s defined his career.
“Honestly, just staying where I’m at,” he says. “I’d rather shoot 100 and have an amazing time than play my best round and not enjoy it. It’s about the people you’re with.”
It’s a fitting outlook for a player who has built his NHL career on hard work, consistency, and connection. As he prepares for his first season in Utah, Tanev’s formula hasn’t changed: skate hard, play for your teammates, respect the fans, and enjoy the game.
“I think that’s what it’s all about,” he says. “Enjoying the game we all love and leaving it all out there.”
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