A strong defenseman, Scott Van der Linden will compete for time on the ice immediately along with classmates Jeremy Russell and Hunter Thunell.

Before Brown: Van der Linden has played for the Notre Dame Hounds for the past three seasons ... An assistant captain last season, Van der Linden was the recipient of the team's Most Improved Player Award ... Finished the year with 18 points (3g, 15a) to go along with 187 penalty minutes ... Recipient of the team's Top Academic Player Award in 2005 ... Was also an assistant captain for the Notre Dame Midget AAA team in 2004 ... Played for Team Nova Scotia at the 2003 Canada Games, serving as an assistant captain.

Personal: Scott John Van der Linden is the son of Harry and Joanne Van der Linden of Antigonish, Nova Scotia ... Born in 1986 ... Scott has two brothers, Jason and Daniel, and one sister, Jeanette ... Recipient of Math Award and University of Toronto Book Award ... Interests: Sports, Working Out, Reading ... Major: Undecided.