Family connections
Relationship between Ertel and McGuigan families comes full circle
SUMMERSIDE – Often in sports, it’s the story behind a journey that is captivating.
A case in point is Justin Ertel’s signing with the Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals of the Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL).
At first glance, this is a 17-year-old looking to capitalize on an opportunity to further his hockey career.
But with COVID-19 restrictions in place, it remains unknown when Ertel will debut with the Caps, who have not played a game since Nov. 21 and are 3-1-1 (wonlost-overtime losses).
This much is known, though – Ertel’s journey to Summerside was paved through connections between his family and Caps head coach Billy McGuigan dating back to the 1990s.
“That’s how the hockey world works,” said McGuigan, a former major junior and minor pro player. “When you play four, five or six years in different places, there are 20 players on every team, and you make 20 contacts and more with each team. It’s great to have contacts all over the place.”
McGuigan began his association with the Ertel family when he joined the Ontario Hockey League’s Kitchener Rangers as a player during the 1994-95 season. Justin’s grandfather, Bob Ertel, was the Rangers general manager at the time.
Also, in the mid-1990s, Justin’s father, Tyler Ertel, played three seasons with the Charlottetown-based UPEI Panthers and became friends with McGuigan, a Charlottetown native.
“I was away playing pro (when Tyler Ertel was playing at UPEI), and when I would come home, I would skate and hang out with the guys at UPEI in the spring and fall,” said McGuigan.
“Tyler and I became friends, and that was 25 years ago. We shared a lot of laughs and a lot of fun over a few years and have stayed friends.
“We have kept in contact ever since leading up to about three months ago when we really started talking about Justin. It was a call or text every week.”
Justin said he is fortunate “for my dad and my grandpa to have those connections”.
The younger Ertel will complete his 14-day selfisolation in Summerside this week and is looking forward to starting to skate with the Capitals.
In addition, the history between the Ertel and McGuigan families will continue beyond the rink as Justin will move in with McGuigan and his family in Summerside once his 14-day self-isolation concludes this week.
At six-foot-two and 190 pounds, Ertel describes himself as a power forward who tries to capitalize on his size.
“I want to use my offensive ability whenever our team has the puck,” said Ertel, a native of Mississauga, Ont. “I want to make plays and try and make my teammates better.
“I want to try and put the puck in the net and try and contribute to the team.”
Ertel comes to the Caps from St. Andrew’s College in Aurora, Ont.
Last season, Ertel put up impressive numbers with St. Andrew’s in two different leagues.
He had 93 points, including 40 goals, in 56 regular-season games in the CAHS, and registered 11 goals and 27 points in 12 regular-season contests in the CISAA.
Ertel has committed to attend
Cornell University and play NCAA Division 1 college hockey.
Caps general manager Pat McIver said it’s exciting to add a young prospect like Ertel.
“He’s an offensive player,” said McIver.
“He’s very, very skilled. He has good size. We think he’s going to be a well-rounded player.
“He’s coming from a great hockey program, and they turn out good players there all the time. We feel we are getting an all-around good player and are looking forward to seeing his skill.”
Ertel is confident he can have a smooth transition to the junior A level. He noted he has always trained with older players.
“It’s going to be a big step for hockey,” he said. “I’m trying to not change too much but still have that confidence in my game.”
Ertel is eligible and has been attracting some interest for the 2021 National Hockey League Entry Draft.
McGuigan said he has spoken to some NHL scouts, who have told him Ertel is definitely on the radar of teams.
“We are getting a real good character kid who is poised,” said McGuigan.
“He’s going to be an excellent addition to our hockey club.”