Watching the DC Breeze sign away half of our roster going into the 2023 season is a little disheartening. Two of the players in my previous 5 Underrated Players in 2022 article are now off our squad, and have headed east for the upcoming summer.
Because we’re losing so many key pieces to the Wind Chill, I wanted to take this opportunity to reassure fans (and myself) that we have many other stellar players who we can look forward to watching. All the players on this year’s roster are sure to make an impact as we start down the road to Championship Weekend, but these five were selected as key players to keep a special eye out for in 2023.
5. Jimmy Kittlesen
Confession time: I’m a big Jimmy Kittlesen fan. I got to meet him at a game last year when he was in the stands, and it was a real fanboy moment for me.
Jimmy, if you’re reading this, we’d love to have you on the pod some time.
Now as most of us know, Kittlesen was out for the vast majority of last season with some injuries. But, after getting the opportunity to talk to him at tryouts, it looks like Jimmy is getting ready for a strong return in 2023.
In his last full season, 2021, Kittlesen recorded 3 assists, 6 goals, and 12 blocks. But more than just his stats, Kittlesen brings one thing to the O-Line for 2023: Abe Coffin.
Because we were lacking Kittlesen for the 2022 season, players like Abe Coffin— a traditionally O-Line player— had to fill in his role.
With a healthy Kittlesen in 2023, we can see the Wind Chill D-Line remaining strong with his presence, and our O-Line getting a much needed reprieve.
Fun fact: Kittlesen got engaged halfway through the 2022 season. Congrats, Jimmy!
4. Colin Berry
In a similar vein as Kittlesen, we have Colin Berry.
In 2022, Berry only played 5 games, but his presence on the field was certainly felt. Recording 8 assists, 4 goals, and 4 blocks, it’s hard to not be excited for a full season with him on the squad. With the Wind Chill losing so much, Berry could be a much needed addition to an admittedly lackluster O-Line in 2022. Or, if we feel the need to have a strong defensive hybrid, we couldn’t pick someone much better than Berry.
No matter where he ends up, keep an eye on him. There’s not a doubt in my mind that his ability to move the disc, combined with his field awareness and general craftiness, will make for a breakout year for #24.
We actually got to meet Colin Berry’s parents at a game last year, and they were absolutely wonderful.
Fun fact: Collin Berry does not like berries. No, seriously, I asked him.
3. Will Brandt
There’s a reason we wanted to interview Will Brandt so early on; we see a ton of potential in this young handler.
In 7 games, Brandt had 7 goals and a block. But more important for his 2023 trajectory was his 12 assists. At risk of sounding like a broken record, losing A-Roy for the upcoming season is a big blow to the Wind Chill. But maybe it’s a blessing in disguise for the team, if they’re able to invest in Will Brandt.
I firmly believe he can fill in the missing handler role, and possibly even fit better into the style of offense that the Wind Chill will be working with this year. When interviewing him earlier in the offseason, Brandt made it very clear that he sees greatness going into 2023.
He wants to continue to build off of his previous success to become a more consistent threat to other teams, and a more consistent piece of the Wind Chill’s offensive line. We are all in on the Will Brandt train, and encourage the rest of the fans to pay special attention to this budding handler in 2023.
Fun fact: Will Brandt taught another “Let’s Chill" Podcast guest, Paul Krenik, how to throw a flick. Brandt also plays tuba (supposedly worse than PK).
2. Quinn Snider
What is there to say about Snider that hasn’t already been said? His numbers speak for themselves: 2022 there were 6 assists, 8 blocks, and 45 freaking goals.
But I’m obviously more interested in what he brings to the team outside of the stats. Snider is a hard match up for any team. His second highest scoring game in 2022 came against Chicago— a team that we’ve been notoriously bad against.
With Snider returning for his third season, we can expect him to fill out the leadership role even more, and continue to be a dominant force on the field. This year, watch Snider (as he becomes more familiar playing with this team) score goal after goal. When the Wind Chill players and fans trust Mr. Air Canada, he delivers.
Fun fact: Snider is a lefty when it comes to writing, but plays ultimate right handed. Maybe that’s why he’s not a handler, IDK.
1. Bret Bergmeier
I’m gonna be completely honest, Bergermeister should have been on our Five underrated players article. This guy does not get talked about enough, and it’s just a shame.
First off, the stats are insane. 9 games. 14 assists, 8 blocks, and 14 goals. What’s especially fun about watching him in 2023, is that I have no clue what the Wind Chill will do with him. I can see him as a starting 7 O-Line player, being a threatening cutter both down and up field. Maybe he gets tossed on defense, and the fans get to watch a defensive player of the year performance.
Or (personally I think this is the most likely option), Bert Bergmeier is the every other point guy. He’s the player that will go on any line in any situation and give you results. For 2023, no matter where he ends up, I promise that Bergmeier will make a consistent and noticeable impact.
Not to mention, he’s got a sick ‘stache, and I love me a good ‘stache.
Fun fact: Bergmeier doesn’t have Instagram, so I couldn’t ask him for a fun fact.
Gearing Up for 2023
The Wind Chill's 2023 season is a month away. Follow along with Wind Chill Talk on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. And be sure to sign up for our email updates for more great content like this all season long!