Harrogate takes his game to Germany

Brendan Harrogate with the Oshawa Generals – Photo by Terry Wilson/ OHL Images

After having some professional hockey success in the SPHL, Chatham’s Brendan Harrogate recently joined German professional hockey club Herne EV.

So far in three games with Herne EV, Harrogate has a goal and four assists for five points. Harrogate joined the team earlier this month. He was playing with the Evansville Thunderbolts and was the team’s leading scorer with 25 points in 30 games.

This is not Harrogate’s first time playing in Germany, as he played 12 games with ESC Kempton in 2021-2022 in Germany’s fourth division of hockey. Harrogate put up 21 points in the 12 games (seven goals, 14 assists).

Herne plays in Germany’s third division.

Harrogate, who will turn 27 years-old in a couple weeks, has played the past three seasons with Evansville. He was named to the SPHL’s all-rookie team following the 2022-2023 season.

Prior to joining the pro ranks, Harrogate played for the Western University Mustangs hockey team.

Drafted in the seventh round of the 2014 OHL draft by the Mississauga Steelheads, Harrogate played 156 games in the OHL with Mississauga and Oshawa. He also spent time playing in the BCHL and in the GOJHL with Chatham and LaSalle.

“We want to use him as an opportunity to test an import player with potential. We want to see if we can use him for the next season as well. He now has the opportunity to prove himself in Herne,” said Herne’s Björn Muthmann on the team’s website.

Herne’s head coach Dick Schmitz said Harrogate is eager for this task, and wants to prove himself in Germany for a new contract and take advantage of the opportunity offered.

“The conditions are right for us, the conditions are right for him. I am sure that he will help us,” said Schmitz.