Player Spotlight: Garrett McFadden
By Stephanie Coratti
Garrett McFadden has come a long way.
From a 16-year-old rookie who dressed for 42 games during the historic 2013-14 OHL Championship run, the Guelph Storm defenseman now finds himself as not only one of the blue line’s pillars, but also the leader of a team hitting the refresh button.
The former first round selection (12th overall) knows all about that, though — taking trials and tribulations and moving forward with nothing but a lesson learned. That’s been the very basis of his now four-year OHL career.
After a personally difficult rookie season — learning how to balance individual goals with the incredible team success experienced on the ice — McFadden faced adversity through injuries in his sophomore campaign. Suiting up for 56 games — 14 more than his rookie season — due to a broken jaw and a second injury immediately upon return.
Looking to McFadden’s third season, earning an ‘A’ on a young Storm team, things see-sawed. Individual success pushed through during the organization’s tough 13-win season as the blueliner was awarded both the Storm’s Top Defenseman and Top Playmaker award with 11 goals and 29 assists for 40 points in 68 games.
Now, McFadden has a new letter on his chest.
“[Jarrod Skalde] called me into his office and said he wanted me to take the reigns this year and captain the team,” the five-foot-11, 181-pound defenseman explained of the recent captaincy honour — an honour and a letter he’s never worn at any point in his hockey career before. “It’s pretty exciting — I’m still getting used to that feeling of knowing you’re the guy to look to, wearing the ‘C’.”
A new feeling that certainly doesn’t come without plenty of experience — experience that the four-year OHL veteran believes to be the foundation for the player he is on and off the ice today.
“Any time you experience something hard, it’s going to make you stronger and it’s going to make you more durable,” McFadden said. “And then when you experience something high on the other end, it’s going to shape you into someone who can have that positive influence on others.”
“Everything you go through in your hockey career shapes the way you are. You’re influenced by everyone — your teammates, coaches, even parents on the team,” he continued. “Everyone ties into making you the player and person you are.”
Everyone, including former Storm captains Matt Finn and Jason Dickinson.
“When I think of a captain, I think of [Finn],” McFadden explained of growing up in the league. “He was always there for everyone and he was a guy who went out every day and performed.”
“And then obviously there’s [Dickinson], he’s first class.” he added. “He taught me more about leading by example just by showing it on the ice and how he carries himself. He taught me a lot about how to be a pro.”
Looking beyond the ice stands two who have been there from the start.
“We are honoured that the Storm chose Garrett to be captain this year,” Kim McFadden, Garrett’s mom, said. “He’s worked very hard — he’s grown into a leader in many ways.”
“Garrett has had some hardships along the way, although, he never lost his determination to persevere or his passion for the game,” Kim explained of seeing her son develop into the player and person he is today. “He’s learned to battle through and to stay positive and focused on his goals — it’s been an awesome yet sometimes difficult experience as parents to watch him mature and grow through these experiences.”
Not only has the 1997-born Kincardine, Ontario native moved forward with the right attitude and perspective, he has chosen to share that with the minor athletes of today through a mental health initiative — McFadden’s Movement — in an attempt to change and develop the conversation surrounding athletes.
For Kim McFadden, it only adds to what she and Garrett’s father, Dan, are most proud of in their son.
“His kind heart and his willingness to help others,” Kim explained. “Of course we are proud of his successes on the ice, but more importantly, we are bursting with pride with who he has become as a person along the way.”
Upcoming Events…
- Tuesday, February 21: Served by the Storm is back! Just us as the Storm players trade in their sticks for plates as they act as servers throughout the night to meet and greet fans at Bobby O’Brien’s and Opus in downtown Guelph, in support of the Adopt-A-School program. For more information and to purchase your ticket, click here!
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The 2016-17 Season is proudly presented by RBC
