Calgary Flames Defenseman TJ Brodie’s Rise to the NHL

Hockey is the lifeblood of most young Canadians, with the NHL as the highest achievement. But to most, actually making it to the NHL is nothing more than just a dream. This was once the case for Calgary Flames rookie defenseman TJ Brodie as well.

Coming from a small town in southwestern Ontario, that dream might seem impossible to turn into reality, but not for Brodie. “I think Dresden made me the player I am today. I got more ice time playing there and just got to have fun and enjoy the game.”

Brodie played his minor hockey in and around Dresden, until his breakout season with the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL. During the 2007-2008 season he played all 68 games for the Spirit in his first full year in the OHL. That year he picked up 4 goals and 30 points as a 17 year old, and the NHL took notice.

The Calgary Flames drafted Brodie with the 114th pick of the 2008 NHL entry draft. Now that he was drafted, things seemed to hit the fast track for him. Playing only one full AHL season in 2010, it was time for Brodie to get the call every player dreams of. And on November 11th, 2011 Brodie joined the Flames. “I guess I always never really expected to make it. I just played because I loved the game and tried to make the best out of every opportunity I got.”

And what an opportunity it has been. Brodie has so far played 54 games in his first season with the Flames, tallying 2 goals and 12 assists.

“My best memory would probably have to be my first NHL goal.”(November 27th 2011 at Minnesota)

TJ gives a lot of credit to his father for helping him make it to the pros. “My dad always pushed me growing up and I’ve always been competitive so those two things together were big.”

Coming from a small town keeps Brodie humble. He knows that playing hockey in the NHL isn’t just fun and games, it is also a business. “It’s a dream come true. It is unbelievable playing here but at the same time it’s a job and there’s always guys looking to take your spot. So everyday I have to go to the rink ready to work and get better or I know that I can lose my spot.”

only 21 years old, the sky seems to be the limit for this young defenseman. And the Flames seem to be showing good faith in one of their top prospects. Look for Brodie to be a key piece in Calgary’s resurgence in the Western Conference.