Where Are They Now: Daniel Hardie
May 9, 2024 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Charlottetown Islanders News Release
Whether it was for only a handful of games, or 286 like Keith Getson who holds the record for most games played in Charlottetown Islanders history; if you dawned the black and harvest gold for even just a game, you're an Islander for life.
Since our inaugural season in 2013, 201 players have come through the gates and had their skates cut across the Eastlink Centre ice in an Islanders uniform. Everyone has their favorite Islanders player of all time, but no one can remember them all.
Like I said though, whether it was for 10 games or 286, once an Islander, always an Islander.
Daniel Hardie was with the Islanders from 2017-19. He played 99 regular season and 123 total games for Charlottetown. During his tenure, he scored 47 goals and tallied 101 total points. The Brampton, Ontario native was also a crucial playoff contributor for the Islanders wracking up 24 points across two post-season runs.
Hardie, when asked about his fondest memory of Charlottetown, was quick to note one of those playoff runs. Hardie was a part of the 2018 Islanders team that shocked the league by making it to the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
"What comes to mind right away is our playoff run to the league semi-final in the 2017-18 season. From beating Quebec in the first round to sweeping Halifax in the second round and then getting to game seven against Blainville; that had to be my favourite run in my whole career. We were playing true Islander hockey throughout that run and having the fans and all of P.E.I.'s support was incredible," said Hardie.
To this day, the former Islanders forward says he still has strong bonds with former teammates and connections to Prince Edward Island from his time here.
"I was lucky enough to have a great billet family, the McLernan's, during my time in Charlottetown and we still stay in touch around the holidays," said Hardie. "As for teammates, I made a few close friends during my time there that I still consider some of my best friends today. Hunter Drew, Kevin Gursoy, Derek Gentile, and I had a lot of great times and still keep in touch in group texts."
After the 2018-19 season, Hardie committed to the University of Ottawa where he spent four years playing for the University's hockey club the Gee-Gees, and working towards a degree in interdisciplinary studies.
"I found that I took the transition to University hockey and life well. The biggest difference was going from being the oldest in the league to the youngest and facing much more physically developed opponents. However, I think being a part of a top-10 Usports school in the University of Ottawa that had a lot of veteran players made me settle in quite quickly," said Hardie.
This year, Hardie decided to take his talents to England where he just finished his first season playing for the Bristol Pitbulls of the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL).
"I've always had a goal to play over in Europe. With England being a fairly seamless transition in terms of lifestyle it was high up on my list. When the opportunity came about I was excited and I'm really happy and thankful I was able to experience professional hockey in Europe."
Hardie played 16 games this past season with the Pitbulls where he logged four goals and six assists. After mentioning the transition of lifestyle from Canada to England was fairly seamless, he noted that his style of hockey made the move easily as well.
"I didn't find too much of a difference, to be honest. I think England is definitely closest to a North American style of game when comparing."
Islanders' head coach and GM Jim Hulton has always welcomed back former players to the Eastlink Centre to speak with his current team, sometimes even going out for a practice with them. Hardie already has a message in mind for current Islanders should he ever get that chance.
"I know it's the biggest cliche saying in the book, but embrace and enjoy every moment inside the dressing room, on the bus, and even away from the rink. It might not always seem like it, but these are the best days of your life and memories and relationships that will be remembered forever," said Hardie.
As for the 25-year-old, he doesn't plan on leaving the world of hockey anytime soon.
"I think staying in hockey, in any capacity, will be important for me. While I haven't quite closed the door on my playing career, I hope that after my playing days, I will get into coaching. I'd like to help the next generation of hockey players fall in love with the game. I hope my background and experiences can leave an impact on future players," said Hardie.
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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from May 9, 2024
- Where Are They Now: Daniel Hardie - Charlottetown Islanders
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