GANDER, N.L. – After a Memorial Cup win and a new position with the Halifax Mooseheads, 20-year-old hockey player Jordan Maher has returned home.
In Maher’s fourth year playing for the team, the Acadie-Bathurst Titans won their first ever Memorial Cup against the Regina Pats on May 28. Maher says it was quite a journey helping the team towards the big win.
“My first year with the Titans we finished last place in the QMJHL [Quebec Major Junior Hockey League] playoffs, and then this year we won it all,” Maher said, happy he got to be a part of that progression.
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Since being back in Gander, Maher has caught up with friends and family and even got to help give out awards during the town’s recent Street Jam ball hockey tournament.
Playing the game since he was four, Maher has plenty of hockey-related roots in the Gander community. He says his former coaches were excited to hear of the recent Titans win.
“When I see old coaches I always say thanks because I wouldn’t be where I am without them and all the guys I’ve played with,” Maher said. “In a small community where everyone helps out, everyone’s success is almost joined.”
Maher has since been traded to the Halifax Mooseheads, and will be taking off to begin camp with the team in August. He says this year will be particularly important, and he hopes he can take another Memorial Cup with this team.
“To win again in Halifax is my main goal,” he said. “I’d like to play pro hockey and that’s why next year is pretty important.”
In his 2017-18 year with the Acadie-Bathurst Titans, Maher had 19 goals and 42 assists.
While he’s resting in his hometown before the move to Halifax, Maher will still be playing hockey recreationally. The sport has taken such a key focus in Maher’s life it has become his comfort zone. He says now it feels strange whenever he’s not playing.
“Obviously, I’m going to play hockey whether it’s pro or university,” he said. “I’ve always been in love with hockey, always wanted to win and be the best.
“Everyone on the [Titans] team had that same goal as me this year and that’s what made us win.”
