BRANDON DAVIDSON'S PATH LED TO THE REGINA PATS

Greg Harder - Regina Leader Post - Pats Hockey

Friday, October 16, 2009

Davidson's path led to the Pats

Contrary to popular perception, Regina Pats rookie Brandon Davidson didn't come out of nowhere.

But he did fly under the radar.

Arguably Regina's best off-the-path discovery since Rick Rypien, the 18-year-old blueliner arrived in Regina via the road less travelled, overcoming a variety of personal challenges along the way.

"Money was kind of an issue (growing up) but good things happen to good people," offered Davidson, an undrafted list pickup who was raised on a farm near Taber, Alta. "My family wasn't fortunate enough to drive back and forth every day for (midget) AAA. We sold the farm last year and I was able to go play. I finally got people to look at me and here we are."

A self-described late-bloomer, Davidson played AA hockey in Taber before joining the midget AAA Lethbridge Y's Titans last season. His belated exposure to elite hockey may have cost him a chance to be selected in the WHL bantam draft, but he has no regrets.

"I think everything happens for a reason," said Davidson, an all-star in the Alberta midget AAA ranks last season as well as the prestigious Mac's invitational tournament. "I'm here today because of what I've gone through and what kind of made me me. I wouldn't have it any other way."

Neither would the Pats, who didn't expect Davidson to become a key contributor this quickly.
"He has been the biggest surprise of anybody," said head coach Curtis Hunt. "I don't know how he was missed but there's a good job by (GM) Brent (Parker) and (head scout Todd Ripplinger) of identifying a prospect and getting him on our list before the other teams. Probably the last guy here (to make an immediate impact) who was 18 and a rookie was Rick Rypien (in 2002). We all see how that turned out."

While it's a little early to suggest Davidson is destined for the NHL, the Pats will be quite content if he develops into anything close to the player Rypien did before signing with the Vancouver Canucks.

Davidson is already off to a pretty good start.

"You have to give him full marks for having the determination and drive to get himself recognized and come here with the right mindset to not only make our team but try to make an impact every single night," added Hunt. "He has done a real good job for us and shown he can play on the power play, kill penalties and take an even-strength shift against a top line. He continues to get better every day."

Davidson has gone from a player who was in tough to make the team in training camp to earning a spot among Regina's top four blueliners. Paired with veteran Matt Delahey, Davidson often finds himself in a shut-down role.

"I didn't expect to jump in there and be a leader, a guy to rely on, but I'm (happy) to take the job," he said. "At the start of the season it was a bit overwhelming, getting to play with guys like Jordan Eberle and Colten Teubert. (The biggest adjustment) was getting used to all the fans but as soon as you get that out of your mind it's just hockey. I was kinda thrown into the fire and dealt with the cards I was given. I think I've done well and I'm gonna do better (as time goes on)."

With seven points in his first 10 games, Davidson finds himself in the league's top 20 for rookies and defencemen. He has enjoyed following the stats along with his parents as they marvel at how far he has come in such a short time.

"They're ecstatic, along with the hometown, too," added a smiling Davidson, who leads all Pats defencemen with a plus-four rating. "They've very proud and very supportive. They've always been behind me 100 per cent.

"Where I come from, it's hard work but we play hard too. I've always been motivated to play hockey, spending the extra time on the pond out back. I've always been determined to play in the WHL one day. Here I am now -- and I think there's more for me."