Newmarket hockey talent Braden Haché knew that his Saginaw Spirit was not seen as likely to take home the Memorial Cup, Canada’s top junior team trophy.
The Spirit had been continually bested by the opposing Longdon Knights, losing in the Ontario Hockey League Championship weeks before and also in Memorial Cup round-robin play.
But when push came to shove, the Saginaw Spirit emerged victorious in the Memorial Cup final 4-3, letting Haché finish his junior career as a champion.
“You dream of this your whole life,” Haché told reporters after the win. “We knew it was us. It’s how the story was supposed to be (written).”
Haché is celebrating with the rest of his teammates after the big win June 2. The Newmarket player followed that up by signing his first-ever professional contract, as the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda signed him to a new deal.
Haché finished his junior career with 22 points in 65 games and a plus-27 rating. He also earned the Mickey Renaud’s Captain Trophy for leadership on and off the ice.
“Braden just concluded an outstanding final season of junior hockey,” Barracuda general manager Joe Will said in a news release. “He has a big frame and is an honest, hard-working player. We’re excited for him to join our team and we think he’ll be a great addition to our corps of young defencemen.”
“Honoured and excited,” Haché said on social media about the signing. “Can’t wait.”
Now, joining the affiliate for the San Jose Sharks, Haché was originally a seventh-round NHL draft selection of the Florida Panthers in 2021.
Newmarket Mayor John Taylor gave Hache a shoutout on social media.
“Braden is known and loved by many Newmarket friends and family. Newmarket is proud of your accomplishment Braden,” he said.
Haché expressed appreciation for his family as he basked in the glow of the victory.
“This moment on the ice, with them coming up, I couldn’t have been there without them,” he said. “Everyone watching back home, I love you all.”
