Despite an offseason injury, defenceman Jaxon Broda had the opportunity to attend Quebec Remparts’ training camp. While a broken hand limited his QMJHL audition, he still was able to gain valuable experience.
He turned the chance to compete with the Remparts and successful rookie campaign with the Stratford Warriors into a role with the nationally ranked Trenton Golden Hawks.
"It was a weird experience coming from Junior B to jump up there" he said. "The rink [Videotron Centre in Quebec City] was absolutely phenomenal. I only got to practice while I was there. Seeing how the coaches worked with the players and the videos they used was really good."
Since joining the Golden Hawks, the 18-year-old rearguard has continued to elevate his game, particularly on the defensive side, with the help of head coach Derek Smith.
"He obviously has some very good tips that help us all out, especially defensively because he was pretty good," Broda said.
Smith has a decade of professional hockey experience, including stints in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators and Calgary Flames.
Broda has showcased his abilities, tallying seven assists and 27 penalty minutes in 28 appearances with the club this season.
He's been a huge part of the team's 29-4-2-0 record, their league-best .857 winning percentage, and +81 goal differential.
Broda also credits the Golden Hawks relationship with World Elite Performance Centre in Belleville for helping enhance his preparation through their recovery facilities, workouts, and conditioning programs.
"It's massive. They provide us with some of the best recovery facilities with the workouts and conditioning that we do," he said. "It obviously builds up everything and gets me stronger for playoffs, which is huge as well."
The move to Trenton has been excellent for Broda a native of Wellesley Ontario. His arrival also reunited him with former teammate Joey Brehmer, who he played with last season in the GOJHL.
"I didn't really know much about Trenton, but it's very similar to Stratford," he said. "It's been great so far. Coming here with Joey, it's been nice to have a familiar face."
Entering the stretch drive, Broda is focused on staying healthy and adapting to the increased physical demands of playing heavy minutes.
"Just take care of yourself off the ice. Stretching has been great. I haven't yet pulled something, knock on wood," he said. "It's way more physical than you expect. All of a sudden, it's like a flip of the switch, and everybody's hitting or being more aggressive. So it’s definitely different."
As the Golden Hawks continue to build regular-season dominance with the help of World Elite, Broda is confident the team has what it takes to succeed in the playoffs.
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