After spending the past few years playing in western Canada, Aaron Brown is back in the Bay of Quinte.
The over-age defenceman was recently acquired by the Trenton Golden Hawks, where he hopes to contribute to the team’s pursuit of a championship.
"I'm super excited," he said. "Coming back to a national championship contending team is an exciting thing."
His time in the AJHL and the BCHL with the Cowichan Valley Capitals, Brooks Bandits, and Blackfalds Bulldogs was crucial for his development. He believes that time spent away from home has benefited him.
One of the highlights of Brown's western experience was his time with the Bandits, where he earned an AJHL title and a National Championship.
"The experience of going out when I was young and moving away from home was a big change, going so far away," he said. "But, you know, I matured a lot as a person and as a hockey player. So it was really good."
Playing for the Golden Hawks also means reuniting with some familiar faces. Brown played his minor hockey with teammates Corbin Roach, Cooper Matthews, Trevor McDowell, and Brady Spry.
As youngsters, they won OMHA championships together as part of the Quinte Red Devils, those experiences have stuck with the group.
"It's been awesome to come back in the locker room with them," he said. "We've actually been talking about our old minor hockey days. So it's been fun. It shows that winning is fun, and that's exactly what we want to do."
Adding to that familiarity, the Belleville native began his junior career with the Wellington Dukes, before heading out west, where he played under Golden Hawks head coach and general manager Derek Smith.
Being close to his family and friends is another reason Brown is excited. With his parents, Mike and Michelle, now able to attend more games, he’s thrilled to have them in the stands after spending most of his recent seasons out west.
"Most of my friends and family haven't seen me play in person since I was 16. It'll be really fun to see them in the stands," he said. "I was fortunate enough my parents could come out west a fair amount having them at every game will be good."
Looking ahead, Brown has his sights set on continuing his hockey career in the United States at the collegiate level. But for now, he’s focused on making the most of his time with the Golden Hawks.
"I want to play hockey in the States next year for college somewhere. Just kind of looking at that, but really just enjoying every day here and enjoying the process."
With a proven track record, Brown is sure to make an impact on any team fortunate enough to recruit him.
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