The game of hockey has been good to Syracuse Crunch forward Mike Blunden, both on and off the ice.  The 10-year pro has split his career between the American Hockey League and NHL, having appeared in 104 NHL games to date with Montreal, Columbus, Chicago, and Tampa Bay, and has numerous outlets which keep him busy away from the rink.

Blunden was drafted 43^rd overall in the 2005 NHL Entry draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, after spending his junior career with the Erie Otters.  In his final year of junior, he totaled 84 points in 60 games before making his professional debut with the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals, skating in the team’s final 11 regular season games at the end of the 2005-06 season.

“It was a huge change going from playing with boys to men.  The game was a lot more physical and is more strenuous on your body.  Experiencing the pro lifestyle and the pace of the game was beneficial to me and helped kick start my pro career,” said Blunden looking back at the transition.

Blunden gained experience on the international stage at a relatively young age as a member of the 2006 Canadian World Junior team that won gold.  “It was a special moment that I’ll never forget, especially winning on Canadian soil in Vancouver.”  Some notable members of that team included Jonathon Toews, David Bolland, Steve Downie, Kris Letang, and Marc Staal.  “We were a hard grinding team and felt great to win.”

Growing up, Blunden’s role model was his dad.  “He was the biggest figure in my life, my first hockey coach, and even though he wasn’t coaching me all the time, he would always be there to help.  I owe a lot to my dad for who I am and how he raised me.”

His success at competitions doesn’t stop at hockey.  Blunden also happens to be an accomplished wake surfer, having won the amateur men’s wake surf title at Calabogie Lake.  “ I live on the lake during the summer and love being out on the water with his wife.  The great thing about wake surfing is that you only go 10mph, so when you fall it’s just like jumping in the water.”  Among other participants in the competition was current Ottawa Senator, Chris Neil.  Neil didn’t place in the competition but according to Blunden is “a really good surfer and just had a tough run that weekend.  You only get three runs and it’s all about momentum.”

During the off-season, Blunden signed with the Tampa Bay Lighting and has already seen time with the Club this season.  He is currently playing for the Syracuse Crunch, an organization he is familiar with having previously played 2 seasons for the Crunch earlier in his career when the team was affiliated with the Columbus Blue Jackets.  “They have a great fan base in Syracuse and a good little barn that gets rowdy.  I’ve been fortunate to play in cities with great owners.  Especially in Hamilton with Michael Andlauer and in Syracuse with Howard Dolgan, where as a player, you want to play there because they want to win.”

Outside of hockey, Blunden is passionate about family.  He and his wife Hilary welcomed their first child, a baby girl, in September.  Blunden was participating in training camp with the Lightning before making the decision to leave Tampa Bay before his wife went into labour.  “I didn’t want to miss the moment so after talking to Tampa, they flew me back home where I was able to skate with the Ottawa 67’s to keep me in shape.”  Although Blunden missed training camp, he believes it was the right decision.  “It sucks missing training camp but it was well worth it.  I want to be there for my daughter and I want her to know from day one that I’ll always be here for her.”  His new daughter has expectedly changed his lifestyle including his sleeping habits.  “Luckily my wife does a great job of taking care of her before games so I can get some rest.”

Blunden is also passionate about pursuing a post-hockey career in firefighting.  This past year, he was part of the inaugural FESTI (Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute) class offered through a partnership with the PHPA’s Career Enhancement Program, which was customized to accommodate players’ hockey schedules throughout the year.   A class of 17 current and former PHPA Members completed an online portion of the program throughout the season, and then convened at the Pearson International airport in Toronto, Ontario to take part in a one-of-a-kind 4-week practical experience.

“I would definitely recommend it to players.  Firefighting is basically like being a part of a hockey team.  The most exhilarating parts were navigating through the burning buildings and carrying the hose through the buildings to put the fire out.”  Blunden was fortunate enough to then get hired on as a volunteer firefighter during the off-season with the Greater Madawaska Fire Department.  

Blunden has been actively involved with the PHPA throughout this career, serving as a Player Representative, and assisting teammates with any off-ice issues.  “The PHPA has been huge, from everything on the medical and benefits side to helping with post career transitions.  The Career Enhancement Program helped me get thinking about life after hockey and I hope all players are aware of the programs offered through the PHPA.”

Despite leading an exciting life both on and off the ice, Blunden is relishing his time in Syracuse, while working hard towards adding to his tally of NHL games.