Playing professional hockey in the hockey hotbed of Toronto, Ontario is often times a difficult task, especially for young players. The fans, media, and the size of the city alone make it a daunting place for a young hockey player to hone his talents.  On the other hand, some players embrace it.  TJ Brennan is one of those players.

The Toronto Marlies defenseman has notched 21 points in 18 games, including 11 goals.  While November has brought a slight decline to Brennan’s blistering pace, the D-man is on track for a career season.  “It is now my fifth year in pro hockey.  I’ve been bouncing around leagues the last couple of seasons, but here in the American Hockey League I have found my groove and found out what it really takes to be successful,” said Brennan.

Successful is a great word to describe the 24 year-old’s start with the Marlies, something that continuing, he concedes, is going to be a challenge.  “Getting off to the start I had in the first few games was a little crazy to be honest.  Things have to go your way.  It is hard when you set expectations for yourself and then exceed them right away.  You then have to set the bar higher.  You sometimes forget that it isn’t always going to go that way.  My coaches have been great in showing confidence and respect towards me, so I try and do everything I can to reciprocate that towards them on and off the ice.”

Brennan’s success has catapulted him far from his humble beginnings in Willingboro, NJ.  “I started playing hockey really late. We travelled around Pennsylvania and New Jersey and throughout the years I met a number of people who were involved in hockey.  During my junior draft year, a friend who I had met and had seen me play asked me to play for one of his teams in this tournament where there would be Quebec League scouts.  Of course I said yes.  Next thing you know these guys were asking me to come out for a tryout in St.John’s, Newfoundland, Canada!”  Not knowing much at all about Eastern Canada, and without a plan for his future, Brennan took the offer.  “It was my only shot.”

The risk paid off for the 17 year-old, who found himself in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) playing for St.John’s, spawning new life into his hockey career.  “It was a turn of events for me, and it opened up my eyes to a whole different country and people.”  

Having to adjust to his new surroundings was made easier for Brennan thanks to some local help.  “Luckily the billets that St.John’s set me up with were unbelievable.  I was very happy to get great people who could help keep me in contact with my parents and keep them sane.  Leaving my home at such a young age to go to a different country was something that forced to me to grow up a little bit faster.  It changed me.”

After a short time in the “Q” it was clear that Brennan was no average player from New Jersey.  With an offensive skill set and a mind for the net, Brennan’s stats took off, scoring 115 points in three seasons as a defenceman.

Then came the biggest development of all.  “St.John’s showed a lot of confidence in me and seven to eight months later I was being drafted into the NHL.”

After being drafted 31st overall by the Buffalo Sabres, things started to move very quickly for Brennan, who joined the Sabres AHL affiliate at the time, the Portland Pirates, the following season.  “I remember my first year of pro thinking about how different things are.  In junior they tell you to do this and that and direct you because you are young, but as a professional you have to figure it out for yourself.  It is a very mature step, along with a mental challenge.”

With many players being young and dealing with new aspects of their personal and professional lives, Brennan signifies the importance that the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) brings to players.  “I think the PHPA does a great job in making all the players aware of everything they offer and taking care of the players as best as they can.  It is a positive benefit for us, and as I keep going forward in my career the union is something that I want to learn more about because it is so important.  It is huge to have people who understand the ins and outs and who have your back in case anything goes wrong.”

It was during the 2011-12 season, his third in the AHL, when Brennan’s hard work had paid off and dream finally came true.  “My first time getting called up was with Buffalo, and it happened to be against the Boston Bruins, just one game after Ryan Miller got hit by Milan Lucic.  You are never sure what to expect in your first game.  I just tried to come in, be quiet and play my game.”  

Brennan’s plan worked well, and resulted in another surprise.  “Scoring a goal in your first NHL game is something you never expect.  I was out in the slot and banged it home.  It was a surreal feeling.  It motivates me, that feeling, to strive to have it again. It was extra special because my whole family was there with me.”

Watch: T.J. Brennan Scores his first NHL Goal

Brennan played 11 games with the Sabres that season, but was unable to add to his scoring total.  In the lockout shorted NHL season, he was traded to the Florida Panthers.  It was not long after a trade to Nashville however, that Brennan tested the free agent market.  “I had a revelation over the summer.  It was a big step in my career mentally, not going back to Florida or Nashville.  The whole point of becoming a free agent for me was signing somewhere that was the right fit, that had someone that knew me, and that believed in me as much as I believe in myself.  In some ways it was no question.  Toronto was always on my mind, and it seemed like we were on the same page mentally.  They’ve had a chance to see me over the past few years and they like my game.  It’s definitely something that fit.”

After an explosive start to the 2013-14 season, the scoring defenceman eyes a return to the NHL with the big club.  “My NHL experience with Buffalo and Florida allowed me the opportunity to learn a lot, witness first hand how other players prepare day in and day out, and have made me stronger and ready for the next opportunity in the NHL.  If I am fortunate enough to have one, I will be ready for it.”

In his short time in Toronto thus far, Brennan’s success has been well received and is forcing the Maple Leafs brass to make some tough decisions on the blue line.  In the meantime, he’s taking what he has learned throughout his hockey career and wisely using his time in the AHL to prepare for the next step.  “I’m still learning what it takes to be the best professional I can be every day.  You look at little things; you’re tired one day and you take a day off, but maybe it’s not taking that day off but pushing through the bad days that make you better.  It is all a learning process.”        

“I really like the organization and I can’t say enough good things about the guys.  We have a really young team, and somehow at 24 I’m an older guy.  It’s a different role for myself.  On the other hand, having the AHL team in a city like Toronto is awesome.  It gives you so many options and the atmosphere is great.  I feel honored and privileged to live here and really look forward to the future with this organization.”