I recently connected with forward Geoff Irwin to discuss his time in the ECHL and his first season in the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) coming up this summer with the Sydney Bears.

Originally from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Irwin played four years of college hockey at Minnesota State Mankato from 2006 – 2010 before spending parts of four seasons in the ECHL. Irwin totaled 55 goals and 75 assists in 233 career ECHL games with the Idaho Steelheads, Ontario Reign, Las Vegas Wranglers and Cincinnati Cyclones.

Can you explain your decision to play college hockey over major junior?

I was a bit of a late bloomer and was still developing when I hit that junior age. I felt I wasn’t quite ready to make that jump until I was 18 so at that point I decided I needed to value getting an education. So it came down to both working towards a degree and further developing physically. I was lucky enough to get an opportunity from Minnesota State-Mankato and it couldn’t have worked out better for me. I was able to get some ice time during my freshman year and develop at a young age there. I was also fortunately enough to be named captain my senior year. Not only did that experience build me as a hockey player, but it helped build my leadership skills that I’m able to use both on and off the ice today.

What was the timeline between Minnesota State and getting an opportunity in the ECHL?

My college career ended in heartbreaking fashion with an overtime loss to St.Cloud State. Before we got eliminated, I had been talking to the Idaho Steelheads about potentially getting a look if we got knocked out early. My schedule was pretty light during my second semester of my senior year and was able to go out and play eight games with them to get my foot in the door. At the time Idaho was the top team in the league and their roster was pretty much set. However, after playing the eight games they said they would have me back the following season and I was able to get my degree in the summer.

What was it like donning the “C” for the Ontario Reign during the 2011-12 season?

I ended up getting traded in the summer before the 2011-12 season. From the moment I showed up in Ontario, I showcased my work ethic, which has gotten me most of my opportunities in hockey. I was surprised to be named one of the captains that season. We actually had a captain’s committee that year including Derek Couture and myself. Derek was an older guy and really taught me a lot about being a professional. We would go back and forth about who would be the more vocal captain and who would be the high-energy guy. It was a great opportunity to add to those leadership abilities I started to gain during my senior year at Minnesota State.

After playing a couple years in Las Vegas and Cincinnati, what led you to Australia?

I had a fantastic final year in Cincinnati and I had an opportunity to go back there, but I was getting to that age where I was really thinking it was time to move on to the next stage of my life. So I was set up to begin working towards my law degree in Sydney when I ran into Joey Hughes, who I played with in the British Columbia Hockey League. I hadn’t seen him in ten years. When I told him I was going to school here he immediately asked ‘Wanna play?’. At first I thought he just meant skate around every once in awhile but then he went into detail about the AIHL and I was sold. Once I realized I could play and keep working towards my degree I knew the opportunity would be great.

How much time do you spend at the rink each week now?

The season starts in late April and we have been skating just once each week so far. We have our first exhibition game this Saturday and we will have three or four of those leading up to the beginning of the season. Once the season starts, we will have one or two practices each week depending on ice availability with two games each weekend. The practices are all at night which is good because everyone on the team is either working or in school. It’s been going great so far and I’m just making sure I am managing my time and not neglecting my studies.

Is there any compensation for playing in the AIHL?

No we do not get paid but all of our flights for away games are paid for. For imported players, the league does provide housing and a vehicle for the house that all of the imports are living in. I am in a little bit of a different situation because I was already set up to go to school here and had private housing arranged. I didn’t take my housing option from the AIHL but I know the other imported players have. The league also provides some part-time work options for the players as well.

Is there a difference in practice structure compared to your time in North America?

The coach here in Sydney, Ron Kuprowsky, has been around the game for quite awhile and is actually a Canadian himself. A lot of the drills here I have seen before and the structure is pretty much the same. The biggest difference here is just that it’s a little bit looser than the ECHL because it’s not our number one profession. Everyone wants to improve and develop but they also want to enjoy playing. It’s definitely a lighter mood. We haven’t had a bag skate yet!

Has there been any sort of culture shock for you?

Fortunately, I played at a lot of different places in the United States and was used to many different areas including Idaho, Las Vegas, and Cincinnati. Honestly, the biggest issue for me here is driving on the left side of the road! I’m not going to lie, I’ve danced with a couple of people in the middle of the sidewalk since I arrived here.

How are they trying to grow the sport of hockey in Australia right now?

Well hockey is on the smaller side here, but I will say that those who do play it have a serious love and passion for the sport.  A lot of the players have played the sport in either North America or Europe. Many also play for the Australian national team and get some international exposure as well.  There are also quite a few rinks around so the space is there. The biggest hurdles are just getting kids out on the ice to experience it and the expense associated with the sport.

Finally, what are your future plans after hockey with your law degree?

I’m trying to leave myself open with a couple options. Getting my law degree has been something that has always been on my radar. I know it will be quite a challenge for myself. I do want to stay involved in hockey long-term, whether it’s as an agent or in a front office role. It just depends on the opportunities that are out there. Right now, I’m just focused singularly on getting the degree and I will look at those opportunities when the time comes.