Coming off the best season of his career, Garett Bembridge looks to continue where he left off last season with the Central Hockey League’s Denver Cutthroats. The reigning league MVP and scoring champion scored a career-high 42 goals and added 62 assists for 104 points in 66 games last season. Not only did he lead the Cutthroats in scoring – and the entire league for that matter – he was also a leader off the ice in the community.
“We’re so blessed and lucky to do what we are able to do. All of these kids, you know, they’re just struggling. It’s nothing for us. Just to go there and see everyone, it kind of puts everything in perspective as to how lucky we are when you see what they have to go through on a daily basis,” said Bembridge.
“A lot of the minor league teams try to get out as much as possible, but with us being in the same city as the Avalanche I feel we have to do a little bit more just to get our names out there and to show that we care and to get the fans to help us. Just helping the community is the biggest thing.”
With the Avalanche in the same city, the Cutthroats success is often overshadowed. However, their work in the community does not go unnoticed. Countless visits to local hospitals and delivering toys and spending time with the children is how you’ll usually find members of the Cutthroats spending their off-time.
“Throughout the season we try to get out there as much as possible. Whenever possible the team or one of us try to get out in the community as much as possible,” said the Melfort, Saskatchewan native.
“I enjoy going to the children’s hospital and bringing them gifts or signing autographs for them. To give them a toy that they’ve always wanted and to see their reaction and their face light up, it’s the greatest feeling,” he continued.
“I think that the last few years I’ve really tried to get into this Toys for Christmas thing. I think that the poor kids suffering at Christmas, I think that just by giving them a gift for Christmas can brighten their day and that’s something I really enjoy.”
Bembridge and members of the Cutthroats organization try to get out in the community as much as possible. With the way the schedule is set up because of the road trips, it’s a little tough for the team to always be doing something in the community. However, when a home stand comes around they’re doing as much as they can whenever the chance comes around. The return of Bembridge for next season should have the fans excited for what’s to come both on and off the ice in Denver.
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