T.J. Brodie, Adam Comrie and Nick Crawford - Frontline Defense for the Saginaw Spirit)
The New 'SPIRIT' of Saginaw
Up Close & Personal with the Front Line
Defense of The Saginaw Spirit
By Robert E. Martin
Ever since committed Saginaw entrepreneur & visionary Dick Garber gave birth to
the Spirit back in 2002, after three rebuilding seasons, the Saginaw Spirit
clinched their first playoff berth on March 2006, and since their inception have
increased their fan base and season ticket-holder numbers to a point where they
have one of the highest attendance rates in the Ontario Hockey League.
While many people believe hockey is a game for die-hard fans, filled with player
allegiances & attributes, peppered with game averages & statistics spraying like
shaven shards of ice over their comprehension of the game - they couldn't be
further from the truth; for in reality, OHL Hockey is a pure source of
entertainment, fueled by the poetry of players who's artistry is as distinct as
the synchronized team-effort of a symphony orchestra.
Only with hockey, the individual players might have a tendency to go toe-to-toe
with the brass section a little more frequently if they aren't hitting their
goal.
But the point is the same: building excitement & enthusiasm within one's
community by collectively striving to reach new heights of achievement.
Besides, you can't beat a hockey game for a heart-thumping good time.
Front Line Defense
(Behind the Face Guards)
T.J. was drafted to the Spirit in 2006 out of Dresden, Ontario; Adam came
on-board the same year out of Kanata, Ontario, and Nick joined the team out of
Calendon, Ontario.
With a camaraderie linked by collective roots to Canada, and all still in their
late teens, one might think of them as local rock stars, except for the fact
that each possesses a low-key modesty and focus towards teamwork that frankly,
lifts them above the ego-driven world of pop music.
Indeed, their backgrounds are remarkable similar to that of The Beatles coming
out of a small little fishing town in Liverpool, only to hone their chops in
Hamburg (if you think of a hockey stick as an instrument and Hamilton Street as
the Reeperbahn in 1962).
T.J., Adam and Nick all started playing hockey when they were all of
three-to-five years old and fell in love with it from day one.
"My Dad was a defenseman and the day he first put me on the ice I never stopped
playing," explains Nick, a sentiment echoed by T.J. and Adam.
"When I first got into hockey I kept playing because I liked it so much and with
my first full year completed last year, I'm ready for the new season," notes
T.J.
"For me, getting into hockey at such a young age, I never thought about playing
anything else because I had so much fun with it. Nothing caught my eye like
hockey, but with the long winters, I grew up with it," states Adam.
All three of this dynamic trio have played on different teams during the course
of their young careers and moved around, except for Adam, who spent some time
living in Virginia. "There's not too much hockey going on there," he smiles, "so
whatever team was the best out there, I would go join forces with."
With a fresh season starting, what is it about the Spirit that distinguishes it
from other teams in the league?
"They're just great guys," answers T.J. "Everyone on the team is very close and
we all get along with one another. It's an organized unit."
"It's a really young group of guys that get along well," states Adam. "Plus
there is great ownership that takes an avid interest in the game and wants to
see us grow."
"It's a committed team," notes Nick. "Coach Watson is prepared every day and
constantly working with us."
With such a young team taking to the ice this year, the consensus is that what
is lacking in experience is made up for with hard work. "I think we'll be a good
defensive team this year and concentrate on putting pucks in the net."
If, indeed, this trio of front-line defensemen creates magic on ice, as a band
would craft their collective notes on-stage, what's the biggest challenge?
"For me the hardest thing is the road trips and nights you get in late,"
explains T.J. "That can be rough, especially when you're trying to get ready and
shine for the next game."
"A couple of times last year we got in at 3 AM and had to go play the next day,"
agrees Adam, "but we always found a way. Still, that can be a pretty big
challenge."
As of their thoughts on the difference between professional and minor-league
hockey, unity is found in the notion that ticket holders are in for a far less
predictable ride.
"The younger guys can play, no doubt about that - and they are honing it down
for the next level," reflects T.J. "People get the chance to see that
player in their prime. The pros are more serious, and this is a bit more fun, I
would think."
"I agree, it's more exciting for fans," interjects Adam. "Our league is a young
guy growing up type of thing. You can watch a player join a young team and see
him grow into a better player, which is exciting to watch each year - how these
guys change on the ice."
"I think people can find a player they like and watch him flourish," concludes
Nick. "Plus you have a chance to communicate and interact with the players more
often, which doesn't happen too often in the NHL."
Show some fresh 'Spirit' and come root our home team to greatness.
For tickets and more information go to
www.saginawspirit.com