You could almost say Gavin Brindley was born to be a pro hockey player.
On Thursday afternoon in Nashville, that dream came a step closer to reality.
The Estero native who played his freshman season at Michigan was selected 34th overall, 2nd in the second round by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2023 NHL Draft. The forward scored 12 goals and 26 assists for the Wolverines, who reached the Frozen Four.
If the name Brindley sounds familiar, it should to Southwest Florida hockey fans.
Early Days: Estero hockey players Gavin Brindley, Seamus Casey representing USA at Youth Olympics
Ryan Brindley, Gavin’s father, played in 160 games for the Florida Everblades from 2003-2007 during his nine-year pro career and has been a mainstay coaching local and state youth hockey since his retirement. Brindley also has ties to Ohio, having played four years at the University of Miami (Ohio) from 1995-99 and started his pro career for Dayton in the ECHL and Cincinnati in the AHL in 1999.
But Thursday was for Gavin so here are some things to know about the Blue Jackets prospect.
What the scouts say
The consensus is what the 5-foot-9, 157-pound forward lacks in size he makes up for by being elusive, skilled, and competitive, with great body control and the ability to score off balance at odd angles.
On the Forecheck raved about his vision and scoring ability: “Despite lacking in the height and weight department, there is plenty to like about what Brindley can bring to the table. He’s an above average skater with a motor that seemingly doesn’t stop. If he’s not skating his hardest, he’s scanning the ice for the next play. He uses his speed and strong edges both when he’s forechecking and in the transition game, and he really is at his best in tight spaces.”
While known for his offense, Elite Prospects raved about his ability in the defensive end. He had a stellar plus-21 plus/minus for the Wolverines.
No matter who selected him, thehockeywriters.com pointed out Brindley’s lack of size will be his biggest hurdle to being a pro. “Lots of shorter players are guys whose games are based on skill, limiting their utility and adaptability in the NHL. While Brindley does have the skill to possibly end up as a top-six skill guy, he also has the skating, energy, and tenacity to be a bottom-six forward with good offense and a respectable two-way game.”
SWFL gets two picks in two years
Seamus Casey grew up as a neighbor, teammate, and friend to Brindley in Estero and became the first former Junior Everblades player selected in the NHL Draft.
Casey was selected 46th overall, 14th in the second round of the 2022 draft by the New Jersey Devils. So the lifelong friends give Southwest Florida two top NHL prospects.
The defenseman played 37 games for the Wolverines as a freshman in 2022-23 with eight goals and 21 assists and a plus-16 plus/minus.
Gavin’s road to the NHL
He started playing youth hockey for his dad in the Junior Everblades program at Hertz Arena (then Germain Arena) and with Florida Alliance, a top travel team encompassing the entire state of Florida. He left Florida and played two seasons of Juniors with the Tri-City Storm (Kearney, Nebraska) of the USHL where he scored 36 goals and 41 assists before signing to play collegiately with Michigan.
He set the Big Ten tournament record for most assists in a single tournament (seven) and was an honorable mention All-Big Ten player after scoring 26 points last season and will return to Ann Arbor in the fall.
Brindley has also played 15 games overall with the US National Team Developmental Program. Internationally he’s played in the 2022 U18 World Championships, 2021 U17 Five Nations tournament, 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games and the 2020 World Selects Invitational.
This winter he helped the US win a bronze medal at the 2023 World Junior Championships as he played seven games with a goal and three assists.
Wolverines invade Ohio
Brindley was not Columbus’ first pick from Michigan in the 2023 draft.
With the third overall pick Wednesday night, the Blue Jackets selected Wolverines center Adam Fantilli. The 18-year-old scored 30 goals and 65 points in 36 games to lead college hockey in both stats. He’s the reigning Hoby Baker Award winner as the best player in college hockey.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: 2023 NHL Draft: Estero native, Michigan forward Gavin Brindley picked by Blue Jackets