Carlos Verde, Communications Manager
Kanata, Ont. — As Andrew Jarvis takes the ice at the KRC for his 200th regular-season CCHL game, he hops onto the rink the same way he’s always played the game: Head up, focused, and at full-speed.
The 20 year-old from Morrisburg is something unique in this league: A four-year, one-team player.
“My time in Brockville’s been pretty remarkable,” Jarvis told TheCCHL.ca following his 200th game on Thursday. “I’ve loved all my time here — all the friends I’ve met, teammates I’ve had, all the memories…it’s all unforgettable, and the best experience you can go through.”
For Jarvis, who’s received a ton of interest from schools both north and south of the border, the goal is simple: Win a championship.
“Of course I’m looking to get a scholarship and obviously win a championship with Brockville,” said the 5-foot-9 pitbull of a defenceman. “It would cap off a pretty special time in my life.”
As the elder statesman on a Braves blueline that features rookies Theo Citrullo, Simon Mack and Zac McMahon, Jarvis is now filling a leadership role that he once looked up to.
“It seems like yesterday that I was in their shoes,” laughed Jarvis. “The great leaders in the room — Sean King, Jack Billings, all those guys — taught me how to lead. I thank them for it, (and) I want to give everything I can to the young guys here.”
Former NHLer and first-year Brockville head coach Jesse Winchester believes having a veteran like Jarvis on his roster has helped his adjustment to life behind the bench.
“For me, personally, he’s the rock there that I can trust and work with closely,” explained Winchester. “He comes to the rink every day with a great attitude, works extremely hard (and) holds guys accountable — he’s a great leader.”
While the 20-year-old Braves captain is yet to commit for next season, his head coach believes his nightly production and leadership qualities make him an obvious prospect for college scouts.
“He’s really (going) wherever he chooses — he’s had quite a few different looks,” said Winchester. “He’s put in his time, he’s a smart, savvy hockey player — there’s a knock on his size, but he proves it every night that it’s not an issue for him — (and) he has a very bright future at the next level.”
Jarvis made his CCHL debut back on Nov. 30, 2013 — a night he’ll never forget.
“It was a last-minute thing, I got called to get there pretty quick,” remembered Jarvis. “I played (and) we won, beating Ottawa 5-2 maybe — it was a while back — but a good game and great experience.”
As he breaks into a third century in games played, the Brockville captain has a plethora of fond memories from his time in the Central.
“It’s the time of your life — playing close to home, playing in one of Canada’s best developmental league — and the people you meet and memories you make are honestly unbreakable,” said Jarvis.
“I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
