NEWS PHOTO JAMES TUBB
Medicine Hat Tigers goaltender Garin Bjorklund goes through his pre-game water bottle routine ahead of the Tigers 2-0 loss to the Calgary Hitmen on Mar. 26
jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb
When Garin Bjorklund woke up April 30, there was a different feeling to the morning.
It was the day after he signed his first National Hockey League contract with the Washington Capitals, thus bringing a life long dream to fruition.
“I feel so blessed and humbled to be where I am,” Bjorklund told the News that day. “I’ve dreamt about this moment so many times and having the disappointment waking up and knowing that it was just a dream. So this morning, it was a good feeling knowing I officially do have an NHL contract, and it’s a huge accomplishment in my life and I’m excited to see what my pro career has in store for me.”
The net minder said his phone was “blowing up” after his three-year entry level deal was announced April 29. He said he had to re-charge it before talking with the Capitals’ general manager.
Bjorklund’s been straight forward when talking about his next steps in hockey since he was picked 21st overall by the Tigers in 2017 – he wants to play professional hockey. That was his goal when the Capitals drafted him 179th in 2020, when he attended NHL training camp ahead of the Tigers 2021-22 season, when he joined the AHL’s Hershey Bears after the Tabbies’ season finished, and it remains his goal heading into an off-season of work.
Bjorklund, along with Tigers defenceman Dru Krebs, who Washington took in the 2021 NHL draft, signed amateur tryout contracts with the Bears before being sent home after a week ahead of the AHL playoffs. The Grand Prairie product said the experience in Hershey was great because they were able to learn from the pros, and it allowed him the chance to impress in his exit interview.
“All the players and coaching staff welcomed us with open arms, and it was just great to pick players’ brains a little bit and bring it back to my summer training for next season,” Bjorklund said. “When I was down there at Hershey, I think I showcased myself well, I had a good exit meeting and as soon as I landed in Calgary my agent phoned me and said that they had an NHL contract brewed up for me.”
The 20-year-old will spend his summer in Grand Prairie while travelling back and forth to Calgary to train with Crash Conditioning.
Bjorklund said when he left Hershey it was hinted he would playing professional hockey next year and that’s what he is focused on.
“I’m excited to bring back the knowledge that I was fortunate to gain with my time at Hershey to get back to my summer training and hopefully be playing professional hockey next season.”
If Bjorklund starts his pro hockey career this fall and doesn’t return to Medicine Hat for his over-age season, he’ll finish his Tigers career with 40 wins and three shutouts in 96 appearances. If he does not return to the Gas City, Bjorklund said it’s been a blessing to be a part of the Tigers organization.
“I want to thank my family and friends and especially the Medicine Hat Tigers organization from the players, coaches, all the staff members and especially the fans, for aiding me in my growth during my junior career,” Bjorklund said.
“I’m looking forward to getting the opportunity to make my stamp as a professional hockey player and to see what’s in store for me in the future.”
