Bye bye Hunter Miska, welcome Anthony Brodeur.
That's what the Penticton Vees have done after their top goalie decided to join the United States Hockey League's Dubuque Fighting Saints last week.
Brodeur, the son of three-time Stanley Cup champ Martin Brodeur, the winningest goalie (691) in NHL history and the record holder with 125 shut outs, joins the team for the upcoming season.
Anthony, 20, was a seventh round pick of the New Jersey Devils in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He joins the Vees after two seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with Drummondville and Gatineau. Previously, Anthony won a U-18 national championship with the powerhouse Shattuck St. Mary’s program.
“While we were disappointed by Hunter’s decision to leave us so late in the off-season, I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason,” said Vees coach-GM Fred Harbinson in a team statement. “We received a ton of calls from people around the hockey world, including USHL goalies ready to make the jump to us. We are very excited that Anthony chose to finish his junior career as a Vee.”
The goalie is equally excited.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things about the team, the organization, the city and the fans,” said Anthony. “I’ve heard it’s a great place to play and I have nothing but excitement leading up to camp.”
Becoming a Vee came together the day news broke of Miska leaving.
Anthony said it happened fast, but felt it was the right decision. He’s now looking forward to meeting his new teammates as well as coaching staff.
“From what I have heard we have a good team for the upcoming season and I’m excited to see what we can bring on the ice,” he said.
Anthony’s decision to come to the BCHL follows a strong performance at the Devils development camp.
“I played well and felt the best I have in a long time,” he said.
His final season in the QMJHL didn’t go as he hoped due to some bad breaks and an injury at the wrong time.
However, his performance at the development camp has him confident heading into the Vees’ training camp Aug. 24.
Anthony wants to prove he can win and be part of delivering the Vees a championship.
“It’s a big year for me and I’ll be trying to help my team as best I can,” he said, who in 62 QMJHL games earned 21 wins.
“We believe Anthony and returning goaltender Brendan Barry will provide us with a tremendous tandem for the upcoming season,” said Harbinson. “Barry returns after helping the Vees win the Wally Forslund Memorial Trophy as the BCHL’s best goaltending duo, which we have now won three consecutive years.
“We are very excited for the season to begin, as we feel we have a championship calibre line-up,” continued Harbinson.
Brodeur and the Vees open training camp on Aug. 24 at the SOEC.