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Undeniably the best
part about covering the Midget AAA hockey ranks has to be the incredible
stories of triumph, tragedy, and quality people/families that you meet
when researching stories, networking with coaches, etc. We have
presented some great stories of personal accomplishment over the 2006/07
season – and this is another one of those.
Meet Connor Brogan, a young man who’s been asked to grow up faster than
most. Brogan is an ’89 goaltender who hails from Hershey(PA) – minding
the goal of the Head Coach Bud Dombroski’s Philadelphia Jr. Flyers.
Brogan currently holds a 0.880 save percentage and sports a 2.9 goals
against average. An above average student, Brogan holds down a 3.7 GPA
through a demanding hockey season – the most demanding one any of us
could ever imagine.
Brogan shared a bond with his father, Tom. “The relationship that my dad
and I had was really special. Whether we were driving to Quebec, or to
practice in Philadelphia, we always had a good time. When it came to
hockey though, both he and my mom always supported me. He never pushed
me into something I didn’t want to do because I think he trusted me more
than other parents might. When he thought I should do something, it was
always because he thought that would be best”, stated Connor. “At home
however was when we probably were the closest. He would cook the big
Irish steak and potato dinners while we watched The Simpsons, or be
outside throwing the football. We were very similar, my dad and I, which
he always said was a rarity. Reflecting upon this, I wouldn’t have had
it any other way”.
What transpired next would alter the course of everything he holds dear
in his life. Be it family, hockey, or academics. In his own words… “It
was Friday the 15th, and everything was basically the same. I had a game
in Philadelphia that night for the Silver Stick Tournament, so my dad
picked me up right after school so we could get down there on time. As
usual, I slept the whole ride down as my dad fiddled between driving and
working on his blackberry. After arriving I hoped out of the car, and
was off to the locker room. All I remember from the game really is the
last couple minutes. Up by three I think, we coasted into a clear
victory. When the buzzer sounded though, and I looked into the crowd for
my dad’s approving smile I couldn’t find it. All I could see was a crowd
of people circling around a space on the bleachers. Frantic now, I
remember looking harder and harder until I saw my dad’s brown penny
loafers hanging over the end. At that point, all I remember is getting
off the ice and running over to where he was. With people holding me
back, one of the last things I really remember is just standing there in
this surreal situation. I tried everything to do something, but nothing
could be done. It didn’t seem real, and still really doesn’t. Then,
later that night I got a call from my mom telling me what had happened,
and that he didn’t make it. All I remember is crying, and not knowing
what to do. But now, when I look back at the people who surrounded me
that night.... I couldn’t have asked for better people. They didn’t know
what to say, I could tell, so they didn’t say anything. They understood
my pain, and took care of me until my I saw my mom the next day. They
made the best out of the worst situation…”, recanted Brogan.
As a player, the 6’1”, 160lbs Brogan has been a steady performer for the
Jr. Flyers – coming up big a lot of late. His father’s approach to life
has impacted the young goalie’s demeanour on the ice, and off. “My
father, to me, was one of a kind. He always had time for me, my brother
Chris, and my sister Caitlin. He understood that family came first, and
took great pride in that. He was proud of all of us, and was never shy
to talk about us to anyone. He was always making us laugh with stupid
jokes, or funny stories. He was classical and loved by anyone who met
him. His compassion for me, my brother, my sister, my mom, and truly
made him a phenomenal person”. These qualities un-seen, are those any
good team-mate must possess. Compassion for your fellow player, the
ability to infect a positive energy, pride in your purpose – all
admirable qualities which have been instilled in this young man dealing
with adversity that many of us could never comprehend. However memories
and lessons learned and never lost on a young mind. “My favourite memory
would have to be going to Quebec with him. I played in the Quebec
Pee-Wee tournament for two years for the Hershey Jr. Bears Quebec team.
After that year, we decided to head up, so I could see it one more time.
The coach, Doug Yingst, let me be a coaching assistant to help with the
team. It was amazing trip. We stayed over night at my aunt’s house in
Vermont, and then made the final trek the next day. The main thing I
remember was the weather. It was negative the whole week, and you were
frozen solid if you were out there too long. Regardless, the time we
spent together is something I’ll never forget”, and those memories are
the ones which supersede championships, scholarships, or any pro
contract – memories attached to those we hold dear in our lives.
This season in Philadelphia, Brogan has played a role in helping to
establish the Jr. Flyers as one of the premier teams along the east
coast. “I started playing for the Jr. Flyers when I was 15”, stated
Brogan. “I was playing AA hockey in Hershey, and decided to give it a
shot. I didn’t think I really had a chance, but after the tryouts I
guess made it. Our coach was Ed Hospodar, and old NHL’er, and an
intimidating man at first. I think I was maybe 5’9” and weighing in at
110lbs dripping wet, there standing next to a 6’3” “Shrek” like man. It
was one of the first things I remember. Then for the next two years, he
was my coach. He really took me under his wing, and treated me like a
son. This year, playing for the U18 Jr. Flyer team it’s a great group of
guys, and I count myself lucky. There is phenomenal chemistry, great
leadership, and great coaching. I think that my dad’s death has brought
us closer together as a team because they really showed their true
colours. I am grateful to all of them for their kindness and generosity.
They are one of a kind in my books”. Of course, without the proper
direction and discipline, any team would be spinning their wheels. That
responsibility has fallen to Dombrowski. An imposing figure, the Jr.
Flyers head coach is among the most respected and humble of coaches
among the AAA ranks. “Our head coaches, as well as our assistant coach
are great guys. As a team, we know what they want. I think that is why
we have had our success this year. We are all on the same page as
him(Dombrowski), and know that 100% is expected every time we’re on the
ice. They will help you out with any problem you may have, and are
always looking out for our best interests. I think that their main goal
is for us to succeed, on and off the ice. Through my dad’s death, they
have both showed an amazing amount of compassion and care. They’re men
who are both highly respected, and very influential in my opinion”.
Under their staff’s guidance, the Jr. Flyers have enjoyed a fruitful
season. “I think that we have accomplished a lot this season. We just
finished up to good tournaments in Northwood and Wisconsin, and fared
well at both. We have beaten some teams I think we were supposed to lose
to, and have opened some eyes to our abilities. I hope more and more
people begin to respect our team, and begin to realize we’re actual
contenders. We have districts coming up in a week, and then nationals. I
think we’ll have an amazing finish to an amazing year”. Amazing indeed
when you reflect upon where this season started.
Looking ahead, Brogan finds himself in a similar situation as dozens of
young players form around the country. “I guess my aspiration is to be
the best I can be at my position. I want to be able to play as long and
as hard as I can, and know that when I finish, I gave everything I had.
For the next couple months, like everyone else, I’m not sure about where
I’ll be - but I know I want to end up playing DI hockey. I don’t know if
that’s realistic or not, but I don’t care. Because reality really just
relies on what you think you’re capable of. Whatever you think you can
do, you can”. Impressive words from a young man driven to succeed when
every opportunity to excuse himself from the process has been afforded
to him. Brogan isn’t looking for sympathy, rather his story should be
one for others to draw strength from in the face of difficult times, and
staying true to your goals. “Through last summer and this year, I have
talked with a couple people in trying to find places to play next
season. Whether it’s going to be the New England area to play juniors,
or playing out west, I’ll leave all my options open. I find no sense in
putting all my eggs in one basket, because that almost leaves it to a
hit or miss situation. But I guess I am looking to play at a level where
I can continue to progress. Where that is right now, I do not know. I’m
sure through the next couple months I will know what I will be doing”,
stated Brogan. Surely, he’ll be doing so with the same fervour and
determination that has allowed him to press on through the most
challenging year of his young life… |