Rolling Thunder, a look at Stockton’s Garet Hunt

STOCKTON, Ca – The Stockton Thunder have had a continual struggle this season, including injuries at their Springfield Falcons (AHL) and Edmonton Oilers (NHL) affiliates, causing plenty of player transactions, both up and down the Oilers organization.
 
The Thunder, who are currently 24-23-5 with 53 points, placing them sixth in the National Conference. Since the first of the

year, the team has improved to 14-7-1 under new Head Coach Matt Thomas.   One of the key players on the team has been left wing Garet Hunt.
 
Hunt (5 goals, 10 assists) currently leads the ECHL with 210 penalty minutes in 46 games. The 21 year old, 5’ 8”, native of Maple Ridge, British Columbia ( Canada) was kept busy as a youngster.   His youth was full of sports activities such as boxing, swimming, skiing, and of course hockey.
 
“I took them all pretty serious”, Hunt says. At 13, he decided to stick to the one sport he enjoyed most; hockey.
 
His mother, a school teacher, stressed the importance of education on top of his sports. Hunt says he did pretty well in school, in spite of the travel. His father, grandparents, and the family nanny were all very supportive of him and his brother Trevor and their hockey careers. When Hunt signed a professional contract, he gave up the free college education, but he’s happy to be where he is.
 
“I’m living the dream and loving it,” says Hunt.  
 
Garet has always looked up to his brother, Trevor.   Since they were born only a year apart, they often played on the same teams, making it easier on his parents and grandparents who shuffled them to practices and games during those years. (Trevor currently plays college hockey for the Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves (WCHA) and plays defense.)
 
At age 15, Hunt graduated into the Western Hockey League (WHL) and left an impression with the Vancouver Giants over four seasons.   He posted 542 penalty minutes, 41 points (16 goals, 25 assists) in 193 games overall.  
 
In 2005-06, he was part of the team that took home the WHL’s Presidents Cup Championship, leading them to a semifinal berth in the Memorial Cup tournament. In 2006-07, he helped the Giants win their first Memorial Cup title, with 11 points (6 goals and 5 assists) in 57 games.   Last season he ranked fourth in penalty minutes (239).
 
“I think the highlight of my career so far was playing with the Giants. We won a Memorial Cup”.   Hunt adds, “Coach Don Hay helped me to grow up, to be a better person, and more independent…to be a professional.   He also taught me how to think the game better.”
 
When you watch him on the ice, it’s obvious he’s smaller than the other guys, but it doesn’t change his intensity.   When asked how he came to fulfill the role of enforcer, he knows exactly when he realized it had to be a part of his game.
 
When Hunt played in the Junior B league (BCHL) with the Chilliwack Chiefs, near his hometown, Hunt says recalls his time fondly.
“I just wanted to play so bad, but I didn’t have the skill level I needed, so I had to fall into a roll of an energy player and I embraced that role throughout.”   Hunt realizes he’s smaller than most of the other guys, but he doesn’t let that hinder his style, in fact, Hunt says he works hard on his leg strength on and off season, so he can be “quick and explosive.”
 
Hunt signed an American Hockey League contract in the summer of 2008, with the Springfield Falcons, and was re-assigned to the Stockton Thunder.   He takes his role as a high energy, two-way player and protector very seriously.   Hunt prides himself on being able to bring the guys up when they are down while talking a lot on the bench and isn’t afraid to stick up for his teammates when they’ve taken some bad hits. Hunt feels he is more of a cheerleader and motivator and “leads with intensity and energy.”
 
Playing for the Thunder hasn’t created too many difficulties for him. He accredits former Coach Don Hay and the Giants in helping him to develop better habits like training, resting and eating, and “making the jump from juniors to ECHL easier.”
 
Hunt’s friendly smile and calm demeanor, not to mention his size, can be deceiving.   Steve Serdachny, the Edmonton Oilers Skating and Skills Coach commented recently on Hunt.
 
“He’s a high energy player, though not a giant in stature, he plays bigger than his size.   He’s extremely tough.   I think a lot of guys early in the year got surprised by him. They looked at him and underestimated him, and probably not a wise decision on their part. The guy can fight.”
 
Hunt has certainly made himself a fan favorite in Stockton.   On game night, there are signs all-over the arena with his name.   You can tell he enjoys playing in the Stockton Arena.
 
“The fans are great. It’s exciting playing in front of the big crowds, especially when all the fans get behind you. You can hear them when there’s a big hit, and it makes you feel like nothing can stop you.”
 
During the season, Hunt has seen a number of changes, including the addition of Coach Matt Thomas.   The changes have worked to Hunt’s advantage, providing him more opportunities to contribute on the ice and play a larger role on the penalty kill. The changes also brought several new players from the defunct Fresno Falcons, the same team Hunt had heated battles with in the past.
 
“Everyone knows it’s just a job and we can usually just leave it on the ice”, Hunt says of adding his former rivals to the Thunder roster. Hunt went on to add, “It really helped that we had such a long road trip to Alaska after that. It was awkward at first, but we all got really close and we jelled really well.”
 
The other problem that a developmental team has is player movement.
 
“It was easier in juniors, since lines don’t change much and we were close friends with the guys. Now it’s a little harder to get used to. Guys get called up and leave us short, or too many come back, but we have to keep our focus. It’s tough.”
 
In January, Hunt was the player moving up the ladder. He played in only one game with Springfield.   Still, Hunt felt it was a great opportunity.
 
Not without set-backs, Hunt experienced a femur fracture on a hit against the boards two years ago.
 
“I have a titanium rod in my leg now, so they say it’s stronger than it was before,” he adds.   It’s apparent the leg has fully healed, but Hunt doesn’t think about it too much. He just works hard to keep healthy and strong.
 
During his time off, Hunt has enjoyed life in the Stockton area. It’s close to a variety of different attractions. He’s made some trips into San Francisco to the tourist attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz Island.   He hopes to get some time to see a Sacramento Kings (NBA) game soon, too.
 
When the Oilers come to San Jose to take on the Sharks, the team looks forward to attending if time permits.   Hunt has a love for all outdoor activities, and in the summers, he takes some time to wakeboard at the two lakes only a short drive from his family home in BC. The rest of his time is spent training and working out.
 
Hunt will earn his place in history as an esteemed member of the Stockton Thunder when a Bobble-head of his likeness will be given to fans in March.
 
Hunt has his sights set on NHL and knows what has to be accomplished to get there.
 
“Almost every single player graduated last year and the year before to the next level in our organization,” says Serdachny, “this is a great development organization.”  
 
Hopefully, Hunt will join the ranks of those before him, and move on up.   Though on the way, he’s enjoying the ride and living the dream.  
 
Contact the Author: shellie.lima@prohockeynews.com
 
Contact the photographer: jack.lima@prohockeynews.com