A Family Trottier-addition
December 19, 2007 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
(Fargo, ND) - A name can go a long ways but actions speak louder than words when it comes to the Trottier family.
Jordy Trottier has come along way in the skates of his father Monty and uncles Bryan and Rocky when it comes to hockey.
Bryan played 18 years of professional hockey from 1975-1994 for New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins. He amassed 1425 points (524G, 901A) as a centre and collected six Stanley Cups including four consecutive from 1979-1983 with the Isles. Overall Bryan has been apart of seven total cups as a player and coach. Bryan was named director of player development for the New York Islanders in 2006.
Rocky was drafted 8th overall by the New Jersey Devils back in 1982. Playing in 38 NHL games he scored 10 points (6G, 4A). He played a total of seven years in NHL, AHL and Europe. Rocky works for the rinks in the Indianapolis area while running TNT Hockey Schools, Inc.
Monty was selected in the 4th round by the New York Islanders and was called up twice during the playoffs for practice and joined his brother Bryan for the cup years. In six seasons with the Indiana Checkers and Springfield Indians he bagged over 200 points (78G, 111A), some stats were not found. Monty now resides in Bozeman, MT with his wife, sells insurance and runs hockey camps.
"Jordy takes to all sports real well because he loves competing. It was when he was in diapers he started to work on his slap shot, his parent's furniture took a beating," explains Bryan with a chuckle.
From the moment he arrived, Jordy has not had a stick, skates, puck or anything else related to hockey in his possession. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana until he was 14, Jordy remains that rough and tough Montanan which has served as his permanent home over that last five years. Not being the biggest guy on the ice has ever hurt Jordy because his puck handling skills were superb and his puck awareness seems to be flawless.
"I remember when his dad was coaching a high school team in Indiana and Jordy was probably 6 or 7 years old helping out and to get some ice time with the team. While hanging with his Dad, Monty, and his assistant coach were running some passing drills and teaching the players to pass hard and firm, which these kids are anywhere from 14 to 18! So here's Jordy out there catching passes that could be clocked at 50 mph. I said something to Monty about maybe taking a little off the pass so Jordy could catch it and his reply was "well he may as well learn to catch this way now, it won't get easier." That sounds like a typical Dad, or maybe his Grandpa Buzz Trottier who would say something similar. I thought it was funny, and of course Jordy was doing his best to catch them and caught quite a few," Rocky flashes back on his young nephew.
While in Bozeman and in high school he had his classes altered so he could practice with the Ice dogs and play with his school his freshman and sophomore year. Listed at 5' 4" and 120 lbs his sophomore year of high school he recorded 102 points (43G, 59A) before joining the Bozeman Blackhawk's of the Northern Pacific Hockey League. He tallied 65 points (32G, 33A) during the 2005-2006 season positioning himself in the top of the league and making the All-Star squad.
Being coached by his father at the age of five some might think he had it easy, not a chance!
"I don't think I treated him much different from other players. As you can tell from Rocky's comments I expected more out of him than others, and for sure was a lot tougher on him than the rest of the players," Monty puts it.
Of all the years there have been many memories made in Indiana, Montana and across the country only one comes to mind.
"Actually, my favorite hockey memory was when we went to nationals in Pee Wee, Jordy won the skills competition. Strictly, because he was Rocky's protégé and willing to try any and every move that Rocky showed him," Dad cracks with a smile.
At the tender age of 19, Jordy remains the lovable, humorous and exciting hockey player he has come to be. Those who have only met him just once know what they are in for... a good time with a smile!
"It has been in the last couple years that he's growing stronger, more mature and with more confident. He's very intense and focused while regimented on work outs. He really seems to enjoy the challenges and adversities that come from sports as well the camaraderie that comes from being part of the team," says Bryan, who played over 18 years of professional hockey including 15 with the New York Islanders.
Q & A with Jordy himself:
Q: With all the hockey influence in your life do you think you have an advantage or is it just in your blood?
A: Definite advantage because I always got help I was seeking from Bryan and Rocky and any questions I had they had the answers for me. It was very helpful to get anything I needed from guys who have achieved success at the highest level.
Q: What is your most favorite memory from growing up in Indiana?
A: Playing with the "Trottier 5" which included Bryan, Monty, Rocky, Bryan Jr. and I at the TNT hockey camps. This was always a blast and we had lots of fun skating together.
Q: What has playing for your dad taught both in hockey?
A: Tons about hockey such as where to be on the ice and what to do with the puck. When we watch games he'll always say did you see that, and we will talk about the play or how I can use that to improve my game. I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for him because of his support on and off the ice.
Q: Of all the success you've achieved what has been your favorite goal scored?
A: There are a select few actually, I think very few people can limit themselves to just one; but when I walked through everyone including the goalie to score. I came back to the bench and my dad asked how I did that and I answered, well my body just took over. Also winning the skills competition was milestone as well.
Q: Any advice you have for future players?
A: Dream big and work for everything because nothing will ever be given to you and most of all have fun. "If you practice with purpose and emotion you will play with passion and confidence!"
So far during the 2007-2008 season with the Fargo-Moorhead Jets Jordy has played in all 27 games posting 20 points (5G, 15A). Trottier continues to be a force on the power-play and penalty kill. He smells the play and the puck knows where to go.
The FM Jets Junior A Hockey Club is in its fifth season as members of the North American Hockey League. The NAHL is the nation's largest Junior A hockey league and is now in its 32nd year of operation. For more information, visit fmjets.com or call (701) 235-2354.
Jets home games are played at the John E. Carlson Coliseum in Fargo, ND. All games are broadcasted on fmjets.com and video broadcast through B/2 Network.
North American Hockey League Stories from December 19, 2007
- A Family Trottier-addition - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
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