It takes some young hockey players a long time to realize they need a serious and focused attitude to make it to the NHL. Not Brandon Gormley. The Moncton Wildcats defenceman clued into that mindset in his early teens, recognizing it would take considerable sacrifices and commitment to reach his ultimate goal. Part of that realization came from within and another portion of it was the result of some pointed advice from a fellow Prince Edward Islander.
2010 NHL draft and marked it in with pen after he had a tremendous showing at the Ivan Hlinka tournament in Slovakia in August. Gormley was an assistant captain with the Canadian teamthatwon gold, posting six points in four games. He is now being mentioned as a candidate to go in the top 10.
“I thought I played really well,” Gormley said. “We had a great group of guys there and a lot of good hockey players. It makes it pretty easy when you play with that calibre hockey player. We had a great team and a great time.
“That tournament was good because you can compare yourself to [other draft prospects] and it was also the first time the scouts [could] watch all the best players at the same time, with the exception of Cam Fowler and Taylor Hall and some of the guys [with late birthdays]. It’s a good chance to see all the top prospects from around the world in one place and I’m sure they took advantage of it. I was happy with my performance there.”
Based on what he’s seen from Gormley during their year and a half together, as well as his numerous years of coaching and scouting, Flynn is convinced the defenceman will be a top player in the NHL one day. He compares his style to the cerebral play of Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom and adds that Gormley has the right size, skill and attitude to succeed at the highest level.
“The first thing that we’re seeing is this summer was the first [off-season] that he really trained hard in terms of trying to improve his strength,” Flynn said. “He’s tall and lanky, but he’s really put on some good weight and he’s starting to fill out. His dad’s a big man and his mum is tall and he’s got a big frame so he’s going to be a big strong kid. He’s on his way.
“We’re also seeing now that he’s in his second year that his leadership skills are starting to emerge. He was quiet for the most part last year, although really well respected in the room because he’s unassuming and humble. You couldn’t help but like him as a person and certainly respect him as a player. But his leadership skills are starting to come out and his skills are developing even more. I can even see early in this season that as good as he was last year, he’s taken another step already this year.”
Photo courtesy of the Moncton Wildcats
Note - this article originally published in the Prospects World Junior Preview Magazine
