Newfoundlander brings much to role
Brendan Mccarthy is a ‘glue guy’ for Charlottetown team preparing for league semifinal
The Charlottetown Islanders were looking for a role player, but got so much more.
Newfoundlander Brendan Mccarthy’s value to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team includes many intangibles that never show up on a game sheet but are crucial for team success.
“It’s impossible not to like this guy,” head coach Jim Hulton said.
“Behind the scenes, this is a guy that has had a major impact on our culture. When you’re a healthy scratch and you’re the first guy down (after the game) and you’re as happy for your teammates to get the win even though you didn’t play, that’s a pretty special quality to have.”
Mccarthy, a 20-year-old right-winger from Goulds played in 29 of the team’s 40 regular-season games this season. He scored in his first game on Oct. 9, but then not again until Feb. 20 while sometimes not dressing for games in the interim.
“He never bitched or moaned when he wasn’t in the lineup,” Hulton said. “He stayed steady with a smile on his face every day. He’s been a breath of fresh air.”
It comes naturally for Mccarthy.
“Honestly, I’m just happy when we win. I’m not trying to put on an act,” he said. “I think that’s just who I am.
“I think it is part of my role as well, to try and keep the mood light and keep guys laughing, no matter what happens.”
The Islanders finished first overall in the regular season and are preparing for next week’s semifinal in Quebec City. They will play the winner of tonight’s Game 5 between the Victoriaville Tigres and Blainville-boisbriand Armada.
The best-of-five semifinal will begin Tuesday.
“He’s our glue,” said captain Brett Budgell, who has known Mccarthy since under-11 hockey. “He’s what keeps us together a lot of times. He’s definitely irreplaceable. … It’s extremely important to have those guys on any team, and we’re really fortunate to have him here in Charlottetown.’
Mccarthy plays on the Islanders’ fourth line — an “energy” line — with rookies Ben Boyd and Sam Oliver. Their game may be easy to label, but not as easy to put into action for many players. They are to create energy and not get scored upon while allowing the top guys to get some rest.
“I’ve had a blast. … We know how to play off each other well,” Mccarthy said of his line.
“We just go out there and try to keep the momentum going. If the play is not going our way, (we) try to swing the momentum somehow.”
Mccarthy was one of only a few new faces at this season’s training camp, but quickly became a key component of the group. He said it was great to know Budgell and Keiran Gallant, who he played with at Stanstead College in Quebec in 2017-18, to help with the transition, but said the whole team was very welcoming.
“I felt comfortable right from Day 1. All the guys were great, so that’s what allows you to, I guess, be yourself.”
Gallant said Mccarthy is a smart, 200-foot player who is willing to play physically.
“When I heard he was coming to the team, it was just good news all around,” he said. “I always thought he’d be able to go places with his hockey and I was happy to see him playing at a high level.”
Gallant said Mccarthy brings a lot of positive energy to the room.
“He’s a real funny guy. He’s someone you always want to hang around because it’s not dull when he’s around.”