Wiggemansens Bleed Hockey

Hockey is in the blood of the house in Deerfield.

While older brother Matt Wiggemansen has shed some of his own for the love of the game, younger brother Mike Wiggemansen drew some last week when he scored the winning goal in overtime for to help the Warriors claim the White Division state championship against March 21 Wheaton, 5-4.

“I love hockey,” said Mike, who has been playing the sport since he was three.  “I love scoring goals and playing with my friends.”

Mike began playing the game at the age of three. He followed his passion, mainly because his big brother Matt was doing it.

“He loved it so much, so it was something I wanted to do,” Mike said. “Now I love it just as much as he does.”

Mike, who is a sophomore, came on strong for Deerfield this year. He finished the season with 42 goals in 40 games, scoring two in the state title game and five in the semifinals against Loyola Maroon. His winning goal gave Deerfield its second consecutive state title.

“It was exciting and nerve racking,” Mike said, who is 6-2 and 220 pounds. “My season couldn’t finish better than that. It is something you walk around in the basement dreaming about.”

Matt Took Different Route

His brother Matt was a star in his own right. Matt took a different route and played for the Chicago Junior Americans travel team before landing in junior hockey.  Now 21, Matt plays junior hockey for the Michigan Soo Eagles of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.

Injuries have taken their toll on Matt. He has broken both arms and suffered a lacerated kidney during his career. Last year the injuries continued when he fell into boards and injured his ankle. The surgery that followed slowed his recovery and he missed 35 games this year.

Matt, who is 6’1 and 202 pounds, came back late in the year to play in his team’s final 15 games, scoring eight goals with 15 assists. His production has continued in the playoffs, where he has played eight games, scoring four goals with six assists. 

“My knee and my ankle are 100 per cent. I feel really good—the best I have felt in years—and and my goals haven't changed as far as hockey goes,” Matt said in a Juniorhockey.com interview. “Hopefully I’ll get the opportunity to try to achieve those goals.

"My junior career is winding down but I'm finally healthy. Bruno (Bragagnolo) and the Eagles have been great for me and hopefully I can turn this situation into an opportunity to play college hockey,"

Mom Supports Sons’ Hockey Efforts

Dawn Wiggemansen, who is Matt and Mike’s mom, has been very supportive our her son being away to play hockey, even with the injuries.

“With his late start, it has made it difficult for college coaches to see him,” Dawn said. “But he has some schools interested in him. He has big dreams for himself and I want him to follow those dreams.”

Mike, who has dreams of his own, got to see his big brother the day after scoring his winning goal.

“I miss him a lot,” Mike said of his brother. “The house is a lot different without him there. He came home at Christmas and Thanksgiving. But I text him a lot and Facebook and other social media help.”

Mike’s plans are to stay at Deerfield and play hockey the next two seasons. But after, he may look at playing junior hockey as well.

I am going to stay with high school and see where that takes me,” Mike said. I am happy where I am right now. I will see how things work out as I get older. But it would be awesome to do what he (Matt) has done.”

Dawn, who remembers all the early morning drives to hockey practice and to skating lessons, hopes that Mike finds his dream as well.

“I want him to do what makes him happy,” Dawn said. “My boys both love hockey so much.”