I Was Traded For Getting A Scholarship

The Trade That Changed Everything

When I was playing in the BCHL, I was part of a strong goalie tandem. My partner, Sean Maguire, ended up getting drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins and had a great career. I came in expecting to back him up—and that was okay. I knew I had to earn my shot.

Fast forward a few months: I started getting more playing time, earning wins and shutouts, and gaining attention from Division 1 programs. By Christmas, I committed to Michigan Tech.

That’s when everything changed.

I came back from the break expecting to keep playing, but I didn’t get a single start. We were losing games badly, but I was benched. Eventually, I went to the coach and asked what was going on.

His answer?

I was 18 years old. I left that office holding back tears, went back to my billet house, and just cried.

The Trade Deadline Ultimatum

A day or two before the trade deadline, I got a call:

No choice. No leverage. So I said yes.

And that trade? It ended up being one of the best thing that ever happened to me.

What Happened Next

I joined a team 11 points out of a playoff spot with only 7 games left. We needed every point.

We got them.

We made playoffs.

We upset the first-round favorite.

I got shelled every night and still performed.

And because of that, a Winnipeg Jets scout noticed me—and I got drafted into the NHL.

All because I responded when things didn’t go my way.

The Takeaway: Your Response Matters Most

Sometimes, it’s not about whether something is “fair.”

It’s about what you do next.

✔️ You’ll face setbacks.

✔️ You’ll feel overlooked, unwanted, or pushed aside.

✔️ You’ll want to quit.

But your job isn’t to feel sorry for yourself. It’s to get back up and prepare for the next opportunity, because you never know who’s watching.

What people remember is how you respond. That’s what defines you. That’s what shapes your future.

Ps. I hope you enjoyed multi camera edit 🤓

-Dr. Jamie