[1]STIRLING, Ont. (14/09/13) – Zach Bogosian (left) and Eric Tangradi were present at the Stirling and District Community Centre for a question and answer period with locals. The event was part of Kraft Hockeyville which hosted an exhibition game between the Winnipeg Jets and Washington Capitals in Belleville, Ont. (Photo: Christopher King)
By Andrew Heliotis
They may have been wearing NHL jerseys, but for two Winnipeg Jets players, the Yardmen arena in Belleville was once home.
Austen Brassard and Eric Tangradi have a few things in common. Both play forward for the Winnipeg Jets. Both tower over the ice at six foot, one inch and both once wore the black and yellow of the Belleville Bulls.
Brassard played for the Bulls the past three years and was a large part of last year’s deep run in the playoffs. While in town, Brassard made a stop at another place he recently called home.
“My wife and I billeted Austen Brassard for three years,” said Danny Morrison.
“Austen’s a very quiet kid, but he’s very talented, very deep thinking; one of the best guitar players I’ve ever heard in my life. He’s a nice kid and very dedicated to hockey,” said Morrison.
In the hours leading up to the game, Brassard stopped by the Morrison house for one last pre-game meal.
“He ate at his normal two o’clock time and I’m hoping it will help him,” said Morrison.
[2]BELLEVILLE, Ont (09/14/2013) – Washington Capital Casey Wellman and Winnipeg Jet Austen Brassard battle it out in front of the net during the pre-season NHL match held at the Yardmen arena as part of Hockeyville 2013. Photo by James Wood
So what does a budding hockey player trying to make a roster spot with an NHL team eat before a game?
“Same as it’s been for two years: chicken breasts, broccoli and brown rice,” said Morrison.
Winnipeg Jets veteran forward Eric Tangradi was also on familiar ground Saturday. Tangradi is a former captain in Belleville. While with the Bulls, the team won a Bobby Orr trophy and made a Memorial cup appearance for only the second time in franchise history.
Adding another element of nostalgia for both players was the Jets occupied the Bulls dressing room, meaning for what is most likely the last time, both sat on the bench they once again could call home.