Nick Warriner, A Chatham-Kent Athlete Who Came baCK
Chatham-Kent sends athletes across Ontario, Canada, and the globe each year to compete athletically. Sponsored by baCK to Chatham-Kent, we’ll be featuring local athletes who have left Chatham-Kent, and are now baCK, living, working, and staying connected to our own vibrant sports community in CK.
This week, we feature Blenheim’s Nick Warriner. Warriner grew up playing hockey in Chatham-Kent before playing in the NCAA for New England College, where he served as captain for three seasons. After his college career, Warriner played three seasons of professional hockey in the Central Hockey League, and later coached in the OHL with the Soo Greyhounds.
Now, Warriner is back living and working in Chatham-Kent.
Here are Nick’s responses to our baCK to Chatham-Kent athletes interview:
1. Where did you grow up?
I grew up just outside of Blenheim on our family farm.
2. What is your favourite Chatham-Kent pastime?
Hunting for white-tailed deer.
3. What did you do after high school?
After I finished high school I continued playing for the Maroons before going to college at New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire. After four years in New Hampshire I spent a few seasons playing minor pro in the old Central Hockey League and then I spent four seasons as an assistant coach with the Soo Greyhounds in the OHL.
4. What are you doing now?
I currently live outside Blenheim with my wife and three children and I work with my sister, Lynne and brother, Paul managing our farm, Hat Trick Farms, and operating our two businesses, WarrinerAG and Kent Tent.
5. What has made you happiest, or been the best surprise about moving baCK to Chatham-Kent?
I really enjoy being able to raise a family in the rural environment that Chatham-Kent provides and getting to spend time with many close friends that I have had since childhood.
6. What would you tell someone who is considering living in Chatham-Kent?
I would tell people to not hesitate for a second. There is a lot more going on in our community than people may think and we have a wide range of activities available to satisfy your interests. Come with an open mind and don’t hesitate to get involved. There are a lot of interesting people that live here who are committed to making it a great place to live, work and play.
7. Why did you choose to move baCK to Chatham-Kent?
I chose to move back to Chatham-Kent to work with my brother and sister and to raise a family in a supportive community.
8. Describe your current sports involvement?
My current sports involvement includes helping with the Golden Acres Hockey School in Blenheim and sharing the colour commentary duties on YourTV for the Windsor Spitfires with my cousin Todd, alongside Chris McLeod. Aside from those two formal roles I like to introduce our kids to a variety of sports and enjoy being active myself to participate as often as I can.