BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Brian McGarry is taking a big step in continuing his hockey
career next season.
The 21-year-old Sudbury native recently signed a one-year
contract with the Geleen Ice Eaters in the Holland elite hockey
league.
McGarry will make the jump to the pros across the pond and
he couldn't be happier with the decision.
"A guy I know put me in contact with the coach...who is
originally from Sault Ste. Marie," said McGarry. "The coach had
seen me play over the years and at this year's Dudley Hewitt
Cup. I guess he liked what he saw. He sent me a contract. I
read it over and signed it. They gave me a good offer and I
have to take the best offer."
McGarry will leave in mid-September for the Netherlands.
"I can't wait and I am counting down the days," said the
former Sudbury Junior Wolves scorer. "I'm expecting it to be
good hockey. I don't expect to be a top gun on the team. I will
have to prove myself all over again like I did in junior
hockey. It's the elite league and it will be good for me. It's
the start of a new career."
McGarry spurned a few invitations from the East Coast Hockey
League, which is widely considered the second best minor pro
development league in North America behind the AHL.
"This is the way I wanted to go...I didn't want to go to the
ECHL yet."
McGarry has never been across the pond, something he's
relishing to remedy.
"I don't speak Dutch...not one word," said the 2005-06 NOJHL scoring champ. "I will try to learn while I am there.
I've never been to Europe and I don't know what exactly to expect overall. It's something I am looking forward to...learning a new culture and lifestyle. I'll be living with two other rookie Canadians, so we'll learn together. It will not be a life-changing event, but it will be a new chapter in my life."
McGarry is eager to show his skills.
"I want to show the league that where I come from - Northern Ontario - there's really good hockey and players," said McGarry. "I feel there's great players here, but no one really gives us a chance. My goal is to work my way up the lines. I will probably start on the fourth line. I would be happy with 25 points (in a 48-game schedule)...maybe Top Three in team scoring. I feel I will bring some offence to the club. Whatever the coach wants me to do, I will do.
I will play a defensive role...I don't mind at all."
McGarry will miss his friends in Sudbury while he's away and
has no regrets about what he accomplished during his five years
in the NOJHL.
"I did what I wanted to do in the NOJHL...last season was
the best year I have ever played and I learned a lot about
hockey from coach Darryl Moxam."
McGarry was well respected in the NOJHL.
"I knew with the experience he has...he would be our leader on and off the ice," said Junior Wolves head coach Darryl Moxam in an interview during the regular season about McGarry's character. "Bryan leads by example and brings his work ethic every night. He could have a long future in hockey if he chooses to."
