HACKENSACK, N.J. — When Brett Brophy began his hockey career with the New Jersey Colonials at six years old, he never imagined that it would become a lifelong partnership. Over 20 years later, he has exchanged his skates for a coach’s whistle, and finds himself just a few wins away from propelling his childhood team on the Road to Nationals. 

“I played from when I was six until I was sixteen, and I had the opportunity to come back and coach, so it’s come full circle,” Coach Brophy recalled. “It’s been great. My dad coached the Colonials for a long time as well. It’s been great to be back.” 

Coach Brophy presides over the 18U AA team, who were victorious in their first match of the qualifier tournament. He and the team are now just a few wins away from punching their ticket to Nationals. In addition to being a terrific achievement, it would also allow Coach Brophy to write a different ending to his story with the Colonials. 

“Making it to Nationals would be awesome. I remember when I was playing, we actually lost in the district final,” Coach Brophy said. “So again, kind of a full circle moment. To be able to bring this team to Nationals – that’s the reason I came back. I want to do what I couldn’t do as a player.”

Qualifying for Nationals would represent a moment of incomparable catharsis for the young coach, and he thinks that this Colonials team has the talent to do it. “We’ve been playing well. Hopefully, we can get the job done today and then keep our momentum going.”