From Seattle roots to Calgary leader, Lee’s journey defined by growth and belief

Brendan Lee’s hockey journey has taken him across North America, shaped by family, sacrifice and a deep-rooted love for the game — a path that has led him to become a key piece for the University of Calgary Dinos.

Born in Seattle to a Canadian family, Lee’s introduction to hockey came naturally, following the example set at home.

“My dad and my brother really influenced me to play,” Lee said. 

“As a little kid, I stole my brother’s skates and my brother’s sticks all the time. Always wanted to be included with them.” 

With strong ties to Vancouver, where his father is from, Lee’s connection to Canada and its hockey culture was always close, even while growing up in a non-traditional market.

“My parents always say that as soon as I came out, I was just grabbing for pucks,” he said. 

“Always had a smile on my face to play any kind of sport, but mainly hockey.” 

That passion quickly turned into pursuit. At 13, Lee left Seattle to play triple-A hockey in Colorado, beginning a development path that would take him through the junior ranks in Everett, Saskatoon and Medicine Hat before arriving in Calgary.

“It’s a whole other thing in Canada,” Lee said. 

“The fans there and the community really surround around those teams. So it was really cool.” 

Now in his third season with the Dinos, Lee has continued to evolve his game, building on his natural offensive instincts.

“I’d say I’m a pretty offensive-minded forward who likes to score goals,” he said. 

Under the guidance of Calgary’s coaching staff, he has also focused on becoming a more complete player.

“I’ve been trying to round up my game… thinking on the defensive side of the puck a lot more, and even with the puck, just being smarter,” he said. 

That growth has come alongside a strong 2025-26 season for Calgary, a group that quickly found its identity despite significant roster turnover.

“We had… over 10 new recruits, and we didn’t know what to expect,” Lee said. 

“But with a hot start… we ended up first in the league, and we were ranked first in the nation for a little bit there.” 

For Lee, the team’s success has been rooted in its culture.

“Our team is really like a family,” he said. 

“Guys are going on the ice a lot earlier, staying on after, it’s just a really hard-working group.” 

As one of the more experienced players on the roster, Lee has embraced the opportunity to support younger teammates adjusting to the U SPORTS level.

“If anybody ever has any questions for me, I kind of just tell them how my story went and that it’s all right, and it’ll work out,” he said. 

At the same time, he continues to draw inspiration from those around him.

“I see a younger guy going out there early, and I’m like, ‘Oh, I might as well do that too,’” Lee added. 

Off the ice, Lee’s journey has required the same persistence. After beginning in open studies, he worked his way into Calgary’s business program, which is a milestone he takes pride in.

“I had to go through a lot of pre-reqs, but I finally got into [business],” he said. 

While he hopes to pursue professional hockey after his U SPORTS career, Lee values the balance that education provides.

“It’s going to be amazing to have a business degree,” he said. 

Much of his motivation continues to come from his father, whose commitment helped make his hockey journey possible, including long drives between Seattle and Vancouver to find opportunities to play.

“He was constantly driving up and down. He was always there for me,” Lee said. 

“So I always want to pay him back by just working my butt off.” 

That work ethic remains central to how Lee approaches the game and what he hopes to pass on to the next generation.

“In the new age, sometimes working hard is not the cool thing to do,” he said.

“But going the extra miles is what’s going to put you aside from the rest.”