Eakin taking next step in NHL

Former Swift Current Broncos captain Cody Eakin is living the dream.

The Winnipeg product has earned a full-time role in the NHL with the Dallas Stars as his profile continues to grow.

"For me it's just doing what I love to do," Eakin said. "It started here (in Swift Current). I came here I loved playing the game. I'm still playing the game and I still love playing it."

"It's been great the personal success I've had becoming a regular and getting minutes and stuff like that, but still it's just loving playing the game and accomplishing my dreams playing where I am now."

Eakin went from splitting his first two professional seasons between the AHL and NHL to a regular spot in "the show" with Dallas the last two seasons.

"Hard work is one," Eakin said. "Being able to skate and trying to limit your mistakes. Thinking the game is a huge part of it defensively and offensively. On special teams I get a chance to play a little bit of everything... so just being reliable."

In 78 games last season Eakin hit career highs with 19 goals, 21 assists and 40 points. That production and reliable two-way play earned him an invite to join Team Canada for the World Hockey Championship. He and former Broncos coach Todd McLellan helped Canada to a gold medal.

"Great for my career I think" Eakin said. "Learning and seeing how these guys operate the best players in the world. I learned a lot when I went over there and had a ton of fun."

Now after some key additions in the off season like Anti Niemi in goal, Patrick Sharp up front and Johnny Oduya on defence the Stars are hoping to become a Stanley Cup contender next season.

"I think it's going to be great," Eakin said. "We're going to be hard to play against every night. It's going to be a real deep team. Play the right way and this should be a fun year.

He made the trip back to Swift Current last week to participate in the Click Before You Dig Broncos Alumni Gold Classic at Elmwood.