Garett Bembridge has been used to packing his suitcase during his professional hockey career.  He has played in a combined 15 states and provinces throughout North America in addition to playing four seasons in Germany and Italy.  “I look forward to seeing where I’m going to be each season.  It’s nice to try different cultures.  I wouldn’t have the opportunity to travel the world if it wasn’t for hockey.”

Coming off his most successful season, Bembridge posted 104 points in 66 games with the Denver Cutthroats of the Central Hockey League (CHL) last year, winning the CHL scoring race and being named the League MVP.  Still, Bembridge shifts the focus on his teammates.  “I never would have had that success without my team.  My center, Troy Schwab, was one of the best setup guys in the league and we had a lot of young guys step up.”

This past off-season though was unique and adventurous for Bembridge.  After re-signing with the Denver Cuthroats, the team ceased operations.  “Nobody saw that coming and expected Denver to cease operations.”  He was then quickly snagged by Missouri on the same day that Denver ceased operations.  Then, after the ECHL-CHL consolidation, all players belonging to a CHL team were deemed unrestricted free agents.  Meaning he then had to re-sign an ECHL contract with Missouri.  Seven games into the regular season, Bembridge was dealt to the expansion Indy Fuel.

Personal achievements aside, Bembridge is determined to win a championship.  “We’re moving in the right direction in Indy.  Our record doesn’t show it right now but we are making improvements.”

The last few months caused Bembridge some doubt about his career, especially after the ECHL-CHL consolidation.  The ECHL had different veteran rules including less veterans on the team roster compared to the CHL, and less professional games required to be classified as veteran status.  “It was tough.  Everyone was battling for jobs with the uncertainty surrounding the veteran rule.  All of the older guys were worried with less veteran jobs available and the support that they still needed to provide for their families.”

As a veteran, Bembridge has the experience to teach young players on the Fuel about the importance of the PHPA, as well as life on and off the ice.  “I’m trying to be a leader in the room and make sure my teammates and especially the younger guys take care of themselves and the little things.  They should want to learn and enjoy coming to the rink each day to work hard.”

Bembridge attended the PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives in Las Vegas during this past off-season and learned how the PHPA can help.  “The PHPA is a first-class organization, they take care of players and their families.  It was great to hear from other Player Reps about issues they experienced and how they were resolved.  The biggest thing as a player is learning what the PHPA has to offer and during my first few years, I didn’t know the benefits.”

Lately, Bembridge has been taking advantage of the PHPA Career Enhancement Program.  “I never had the opportunity to go to school when I decided to pursue a professional hockey career.  The union gives players that opportunity and gets them taking the right classes.  It was something that I couldn’t pass up.” 

Bembridge looks back at his 14-year professional career and realizes the importance of not wasting time.  “You don’t think about it when you are playing but your career goes by quick.  Players need to use the PHPA and the resources available to them.” 

Bembridge has the distinction of being drafted to the NHL twice.  First by the New York Rangers 137^th overall in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft and then by the Calgary Flames 207^th overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.  Despite his lengthy pro career Bembridge may not yet have had the opportunity to play in one regular season game in the NHL, but he still has some fond memories.  “I’ll never forget the experience of attending NHL training camps and getting the opportunity to play.  Unfortunately I haven’t gotten that one elusive game but I’m thankful for having a job every year.”