Brad Hunt was still a year away from preschool when he fell in love with professional hockey watching the Vancouver Canucks and New York Islanders with his dad.
"I didn’t want to do anything else," he admitted, "and now my dream is getting closer," he added with excitement in his voice.
Brad attended Riverside Elementary School and then went on to attend Thomas Haney Secondary playing a number of sports, but his first love was hockey. He cites a number of influences on his development as a player, starting with his father.
"Dad played as a goalie and the experience he gained watching the game between the pipes has been valuable in helping me learn to be a smart player."
Brad is filled with gratitude for the tutelage of his first coach, Ralph Vos, who helped him learn important skills and the attitude required to play competitive hockey. Brad’s coaches included Dave Griffiths and Mat Levan in Bantam AAA, Mike Browne for his Midget B2 year and the next year he became a part of the Midget AAA Ridge Meadows Rustlers, coached by Spencer Levan.
"Brad's strong play, leadership and work ethic were evident when our team won the Silver Medal in the BC Midget AAA Provincial finals in 2006," recalled coach Levan.
At 16, Brad moved up to the Junior ranks with the Ridge Meadows Flames. While still one of the youngest players on the team, he found his stride. He credits the influence of Bobby Vermette—a great coach and former GM of the Flames—in helping hone his aggressive but intelligent playing style. Brad was called up from the Flames to be part of the Burnaby Express run to winning the RBC Cup, presented annually to the National Tier 2 Junior A Champions.
In 2008 Brad was offered a scholarship to attend Bemidji State University in Minnesota. His freshman year was impressive. This small Midwestern university went all the way to the 2009 NCAA Frozen Four and Brad established himself as a leader on the team. His 32 points were fifth in the nation among rookies and ranked sixth for defenseman scoring. He was named as the College Hockey America Rookie of the Year, earned a spot on the CHA All-Rookie Team, was selected First Team All-CHA by the league’s coaches and he garnered NCAA Midwest Region All-Tournament Team honors.
Brad’s appearance in the NCCA Championship in 2009 put him in exclusive list of Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey alumni and Hometown Heroes that includes Brendan Morrison and Brandon Yip. When Brad was told of his selection as a Hometown Hero he said: "This is something I share with my family, my amazing coaches, my many teammates and this community that has been so supportive of minor hockey. I’m blown away."
This five-foot, nine-inch defenceman is known for his hard shot and bone-crushing checks. When asked for his inspiration to keep up all the practices and his studies Brad offered this quote: "My dad gave me some great advice. Whenever you show up at the rink you either go hard or go home."
Looks like Brad won’t be "home" for a long time.