Sticking to his plan
Providence B’s winger Carey still chasing after NHL dream
Providence Bruins right wing Paul Carey hasn’t compromised his NHL aspirations in the fallout of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Carey, 31, is a Weymouth native and career AHL player, a journey he embarked on after winning a pair of national championships competing for coach Jerry York at Boston College.
The AHL Board of Governors canceled the season on March 11 and unlike the NHL, they have given no indication that play will resume.
In the event the NHL is allowed to recommence sometime in July, Carey could be called up to Boston with the Black Aces to provide the Bruins a jump-start in an abbreviated training camp.
Carey made clear his intentions to play hockey for as long as his body and spirit allow during a Zoom conference meeting on Wednesday morning.
“It was disappointing that our season came to an end this year but that doesn’t mean that I’m unemployed or don’t have a purpose right now,” said Carey.
“I’m going to continue to get ready for my next game whether that is July, August or September or in 2021, I don’t know. But it’s on me to treat every day as if I would be at the rink or I’d be in a playoff run right now.
“I’m trying to stay as ready as I can and try and get in as many workouts and be in game shape when that game may come.”
Carey was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche with the 135th overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Carey signed with Colorado and over the years enjoyed limited NHL exposure with the Bruins, Avalanche, Capitals, Rangers and Senators. Carey has appeared in 100 NHL games with eight goals and eight assists.
But the bulk of Carey’s professional career has been with AHL affiliates like the Baby B’s, Belleville Senators, Hershey Bears and Lake Erie Monsters.
Carey maintains that his core mission is to play for his hometown Bruins, but he has given some consideration to a second career in hockey.
“I haven’t really thought too much further ahead,” said Carey. “I would like to play as long as I can, whether that is another two to 10 years on the generous side.
“But after that, I love the game and I would like to stay in hockey in some capacity, whether it be coaching or scouting or youth hockey. I would certainly like to have some part in hockey but as for a full-time job, I’m not certain what is ahead for me.”
The Bruins gave Carey a measure of stability when they offered him a two-year contract in March 2019. Unlike many of his Providence teammates, Carey will not have to deal with free agency in an uncertain time.
“I am very lucky to have that second year on the deal and not have to go into this offseason wondering what’s ahead in the future,” said Carey.
“We all are kind of thinking what is going on with the American League and all these leagues at the moment. But it is definitely a bit of a relief to not have to worry about that.
“My heart goes out to the guys going into the offseason not knowing when they are going to play again or when the next season is going to start up.”
Carey played four years at BC before making his move into the pro ranks. Carey’s Hockey East experience combined with 10 seasons of pro service make him an ideal mentor for young players entering the Bruins organization from either juniors or the college ranks.
Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney needs someone outside the Providence coaching staff to counsel his AHL rookie prospects like Jack Studnicka.
Sweeney might have taken that into consideration when he offered Carey a generous multi-year deal. Providence coach Jay Leach reaffirmed that possibility when he made Carey the Baby B’s captain, a role from which he draws a measure of pride.
“That was a bit of a challenge this year taking on the leadership role,” said Carey. “Taking these younger guys under my wing was an adjustment I had to make but these young guys make it so easy.
“They show up at the rink every day with a ton of passion and they are eager to learn everything. It’s funny because you really don’t have to teach them a lot and for such a young age, they are already very good pros.”