Hockey is a game of opportunity and a new one awaits Garrett Sambrook.

The 18-year-old defenceman is relishing his fresh start with the Broncos after a trade from Brandon late last week.

"I was excited," Sambrook said. "I was shaking on the phone when I heard the news I was so happy. It's another chance to play in this league and I know I can play in this league."



Swift Current's situation might be a perfect fit for a player looking for his second shot. The rebuilding Broncos already have four rookies on the blue line and Sambrook's 71 games of WHL experience make him an elder statesman compared to a lot of their rookies.

"Watching us over the first six game I didn't feel like we could get the puck out of our zone quick enough," said Broncos Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Dean Brockman. "He's a guy we kind of targeted that we felt wasn't going to cost us a lot and improve our back end. Here's a guy that we're a little more familiar with and need to rejuvenate his career a little bit at our level. I feel comfortable with what he brings to the table."

Sambrook was a bit of a surprise in making the WHL as a 16-year-old with Brandon. The former 6th round bantam pick was an instant regular and played 55 games before a medical issue ended his season.

When he returned last fall he couldn't hold his spot on the roster and wound up playing for Virden in the MJHL.

"I just gotta play my game I think," Sambrook said. "I think I was trying to impress too many people to keep a spot last year and that's why I didn't. I know my game. I move the puck, I move my feet and I think if I use those things to best of my ability I should have no problems here."

Sambrook's rookie season didn't end due to a typical injury. As detailed by the Brandon Sun, his collapse on the team bus led to a an epilepsy diagnosis. Back in good health and with a focus on returning to the WHL he had what was reported to be a strong camp this fall before running into a glut of talented young defencemen on the Wheat Kings.

"Sammy is a good, young player who played as a 16-year-old and had his set back where his season came to an end early and never really got back on track with us unfortunately," said Brandon Head Coach David Anning. "I think coming into training camp this year as an 18-year-old guy he had a great training camp. The situation was we had ten signed defencemen and had to make some tough choices with some of our young guys. Unfortunately he was the odd man out, but we're really happy he's able to get a shot in the Western League. We feel strongly he can play in this league without a doubt."

That's a part of the game the young defenceman understands as he starts his next chapter.

"It was a numbers thing and it happens," Sambrook said. "It's a business. I was very fortunate to get the move and I'm just looking forward to getting started."

It got started on a pretty bright night for Sambrook as his new team beat his old team 3-2 in a shootout on Saturday night. Now the Broncos are in BC for a five-game swing through the province and a great chance eto get to know new faces.

"If I don't know the guys names right now I'm sure after two weeks on the bus I'll know them," Sambrook said. "I try to have fun with it. Living away from home these guys are your brothers and you've got to make the most of it."