Broda finding his game in Trenton

Amy Deroche / OJHL Images

After a tough stretch of five straight road games, Trenton Golden Hawks defenceman Jaxon Broda was excited to get back to the Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens.

The Golden Hawks have since won three straight, including two at home and one on the road.

“It’s always great to play here,” Broda said. “The fans make every game better. They give us energy, even when we don’t have it sometimes. It’s nice to be back in front of them.”

Now in his second season with the Golden Hawks, the 19-year-old defenceman is enjoying a career year offensively, a progression he credits to patience and a steady approach under head coach Derek Smith.

“Mostly just being patient,” Broda said. “Focusing on one thing at a time and getting better at that. Once you have a good base, you can keep adding to it.”

Known for his defensive play, Broda says experience has helped unlock the offensive side of his game.

“I’ve always wanted to be an offensive defenceman,” he said. “With experience, you start to understand where to be and how the league works. That helps everything come together.”

In 30 games, the Wellesley, Ontario native has five goals and 18 points with 39 penalty minutes.

Broda was part of last season’s championship-winning group, an accomplishment that didn’t fully register until the run came to an end.

“It didn’t really hit me right away,” he said. “We were still playing and grinding. Once it was over after Calgary, it finally set in. Enjoying those moments afterward was pretty special.”

The Centennial Cup was another memorable experience, giving Broda a chance to compete on a national stage.

“It was awesome,” he said. “You get even closer with the guys you’ve been playing with all year. Everything about that tournament was amazing.”

As the Golden Hawks push through their schedule, Broda says the group understands the challenge that comes with success.

“We get everyone’s best every night,” he said. “It feels like we see the other team’s best players and best goalies. It makes every game tough.”

Playing on a deep blue line alongside experienced teammates allows Broda to play with confidence.

“You trust the guys around you,” he said. “You know they’ve got your back.”

Along with his teammates and coaches, Broda credits his parents, Tina and Nick, for helping him reach this point.

“They’ve done everything they can for me,” he said. “I’m just really thankful for that.”