It's been quite the year for Estevan's Preston Brodziak, who is in the midst of a playoff run with the Nanaimo Clippers in the British Columbia Hockey League(BCHL).
After enjoying a run to the Telus Cup with the Regina Pat Canadians last season, Brodziak caught the attention of scouts and signed on to play in Nanaimo for the 2017-18 season. Making the jump from Midget AAA to one of the best Junior 'A' league's in Canada is sure to come with it's trials and tribulations, and it was no different for the 19-year-old from Estevan.
"It's been really good actually, it's a really good league and it's been tough," Brodziak said from Powell River, British Columbia. "At the beginning it took a little bit to get use to but now I'm comfortable and it's been way better."
It was a bit of a struggle for Brodziak in his first 26 games as he learned the in's and out's of what makes a successful Junior Hockey player. After registering only 7 points in his first 26 games, Brodziak caught fire in his last 25 of the season, and scored 9 goals and 8 assists to finish the year.
"It was so tough at the beginning because there are really good players and you have to watch out for them. If you are out there with them you have to be smart and careful, there's just so much talent in the league so you can't let your guard down at all for anybody. I'm playing with really good guys right now and we seem to be clicking. I'm trying to get better every night and work my hardest, you can't take a night off because any team can beat anybody in this league, on most nights the standings don't matter."
To Brodziak's point of there being really good players you have to watch out for, he's right. During the 2016-17 hockey season, there were 273 BCHL alumni playing NCAA Division 1 hockey. In the last three NHL Draft's, the BCHL has seen four players selected, including two in the first round of the 2016 Draft which saw Tyson Jost plucked by the Avalanche and Dante Fabbro taken by the Predators.
Following the regular season, the rookie was named Most Improved on his team after he put together his impressive streak to cap off the season. For Brodziak, years of hard work and determination set him up for success and after experiencing a let down early in his hockey career, it motivated him to be the best he can be.
"It felt good, I was really happy and honored to get that award, It just goes to show that hard work goes a long way. I remember getting cut from the Midget AA team in Estevan my first year and now I've worked as hard as I could to get where I am now."
With there being less than desirable places to play in Canada, Nanaimo may be one of the most scenic Junior Hockey markets. Brodziak knows just how lucky he is, as he spoke with enthusiasm when asked about what it's been like to play on Vancouver Island.
"It's been amazing, I have really good billets. It's just so nice out here, it's definitely not like Saskatchewan. There's lots of mountains and lot's to look at and it's nice to see everyday."
Brodziak took the time to talk during the middle of the Clippers opening round playoff series against the Powell River Kings on Tuesday, and ended up scoring the game winner in overtime later that night, to tie their first round series at 2-2.
Game five returns to Nanaimo on Thursday night, where Brodziak and the Clippers will look to grab the series lead.
Thu, Apr 18, 1:30 PM
Seasonal, Labour
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