Naperville senior wing Broden Oswald had multi-goal games in both Illinois West regular-season battles against the co-op Spartans, both played in a week-span last October. His season-long offensive attack on the league was on brilliant display against the Spartans.

“My most memorable goal (of the season) was definitely against Spartans,” Oswald said. “I came down the right boards and threw a fake slapshot that froze the defender and then toe-dragged around him and shot it high, near side.”

Naperville goal scored by No. 10, Broden Oswald, the announcer said – something that was repeated countless times this season.

Oswald, 17, who lives in Naperville and attends Naperville Central High School, is a right-handed shooting wing in his second season on the co-op varsity club that also features teammates from Naperville North High School. He formerly skated for the Sabres, Bruins, Team Illinois and Windy City Storm. He skated away with the Illinois West scoring title and had the team’s game-winning goal in the Carillon Cup final.

Late last November, the Carillon Cup final featured the Warriors Hockey Club and the Naperville Hockey Club for the second straight season. The Warriors defeated Oswego in the semis and came in as winners of the last six Cup championships.

Oswald and his Naperville teammates didn’t care, as he blasted the game-winner for Naperville’s first-ever Carillon Cup title for the 3-2 overtime win.

“I had a blast (this season) and felt good about my individual play,” said Oswald, the team captain. “It was a huge honor to lead my team and I couldn’t have been more excited to lead a great group of men.”

He was a 2024-25 Illinois West all-star which, he said, was an honor “to be recognized for the hard work and effort I have put in this season.”

And what an exciting season it was for Oswald, who helped Naperville finish 16-10 in the Illinois West regular season. Naperville finished 8th in the 16-team West, but was swept out from the 8-team West Cup by the No. 1-ranked Warriors.

Naperville, with the No. 9 seed, played No. 8 Lincoln-Way in the Illinois High School Hockey State Tournament (combined division).

Oswald, a powerful forward, brings high energy and creativity to the ice every shift. Admittedly, he loves to score goals - and he put in 28 goals and 27 assists in 27 league games.

“He is one of the most clutch performers I have ever seen,” said Naperville Hockey Club president Jim Carleton.

Oswald answered: “(Being a clutch player) is something that has taken a while, but the pressure does not faze me; I want the puck in the final minutes; I want to be trusted to pull through.”

And that he does. Case in point, Naperville’s 9-2 win this past December over the co-op Cobras. He finished with 7 points (three goals, four assists).

“In the moment, I didn’t really think about my points; I was just having a good time with my teammates, seeing them score and have a good time. Looking back, that is a crazy stat I am very proud of,” Oswald said. “I am proud of what I accomplished and need to thank my teammates for what I have done because they were a huge part of my success.”

Oswald will attend Northern Illinois University in the fall, and he plans to skate for the Huskies’ hockey club.

Slapshots With ... Naperville Forward Broden Oswald

Influences: “My parents always pushed me to be my best self and that helps me be a better player.”

Giving Back: Oswald coaches area youth players, teaching basic skills and rules of hockey. “I help them dip their feet in the water of the sport and culture,” he said.

Second Sport: “I play lacrosse, which helps with my vision. The sport is very similar and I see openings and tactics in lacrosse and apply them to hockey.”

Hobbies: Lacrosse, writing for the school newspaper, pickleball and friends

Long-term Career Goal: “I want to get an accounting and finance degree and become a successful entrepreneur.”

Giving Thanks: “Thank you to my teammates and coaches.”

Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks

Favorite NHL Player: Anze Kopitar

Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Miracle

Favorite TV Show: The Office

Motivational Song: Supersonic Rocketship by The Kinks

Favorite Pre-game Meal: Chipotle

Favorite app: Tik Tok

Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Wayne Gretzky

Best Hockey Tip: “Every time you cross the holy road, your chance of scoring increases by 30 percent.” - Sean Berens

Best High School Uniform (other than Naperville): Glenbard