During the first round of BEARS division in Nowy Targ we have opportunity to spoke with Dan Garneau, representative of Brookings Blizzard, team of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

Dan tell us something about you, about your career.

I realized at an early age that I wasn't going to be going very far in hockey. I had the passion for the game, but I grew up with a single mother and hockey was very expensive sport to play. Especially in Canada. I never actually put a pair of skates on until I was 14 years old. I was really behind with all of the other players. I was a very aggressive player that competed hard, but was a really bad skater. I had several concussions in my short hockey career and had no choice, but to hang the skates up.

After I was done playing I started scouting in the Ontario Hockey League. In 2000 I helped bring 3 players to the Ontario Hockey League for the Sudbury Wolves. At that point in time I discovered my passion for scouting and identifying talent. That year I went 3 for 3 with bringing players to the OHL. I was only 18 years old just finished playing hockey and I was told I had a real talent for identifying players. Like any person working in hockey you have to be willing to roll the sleeves up and pay your dues and that's what I was willing to do. After scouting in the OHL I went and got all my training to be a Certified Trainer and Equipment Manager. I than got a job at a Hockey Academy where I wore several hats learning all parts of the game both on and off the ice. Although scouting was always my passion I had to help out wherever need be.

After several years as an Assistant GM with various Junior A teams I caught a break scouting in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for 6 years including my last season that the Quebec Ramparts that hosted the Memorial Cup ( Canadian Hockey League National Championships). I have never been apart of such a amazing hockey experience with the fans and support from the community. Quebec was owned by former NHLer Patrick Roy.

Before previous season you become "Director of Player Personnel" in NAHL team Brookings Blizzard. What is your job, for what you are responsible in the club?

After my stint in the QMJHL I got an opportunity to work for North American Central Scouting for 2 seasons before joining the Brookings Blizzard as Director of Player Personnel. It's a real honor to work for former NHLer Moe Mantha. Mr. Mantha has taught me so much in a short period of time. He's a well respected and very knowledgeable man.

Just a few months ago the Blizzard organization promoted me to Assistant General Manager as well as Director of Player Personnel. This past season Coach Mantha gave me the responsibility of looking after our Affiliated Players, Assemble a scouting staff, Tenders and Draft. It was a real honor to have a man that is so respected in the industry let me take care of that role. This past season I personally saw over 2500 games during the season either live or online. I have been on the road scouting since April 20th and miss my bed like you can only imagine.

Brookings Blizzard, can you tell us about this team? 

You visit us in Nowy Targ during first round of CJHL U19. It was your first time in Poland, in Europe?

This was my second trip to Europe. My first trip was back in June when I attended a prospects camp in Sweden. However, this was my first time getting to watch teams from Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine and Romania.

During 2 days you have seen several games, players from different teams, countries.

I was not sure what to expect, but the pace of the games got better and better each day. This was the first chance I've had to watch Junior league games live in Europe. I had a chance to talk to a few prospects and they were very excited to talk to a Junior team from North America.

What was the goal of your visit in Nowy Targ?

I wasn't really sure what to expect watching hockey in Poland for the first time. I wanted to make sure that I made some good contacts by meeting people like yourself that can form good relationships to help each other out for now as well as the future. As you know hockey is a very small world and it's important to form good relationships.

Did you find any talent between CJHL players? What our players missing to reach a higher level?

I invited 4 players out to our Main camp for next season. I think they will have a good chance to make our club next year. I'm always looking for a player that could help our club or help a team within our league to make the league as strong as possible. As far as what players need to work on is just continue training the right way and get stronger and faster. Hockey is not a race it's a marathon. It's not what you do today for tomorrow. It's what you do today for months down the road. You never know who's watching when and who they know.

Most of European players dream about NHL, about playing hockey in US. What you would recommend to them to make this dream become true?

It is good to set goals to get to the highest level in the world. My best advice I can give players is put yourself in a position with good people around you. I learned a long time ago is surround yourself with good hockey people. Put the work in, be a good honest person and the rest will happen. For example if a player wants to play NCAA College Hockey than make sure your training as much as possible with NCAA College Coaches. If you want to go to the OHL than make sure you get in front of OHL coaches and scouts.

During the summer I run an Elite Hockey Prep Camp called Elite Hockey Prep Camp and I have various NCAA College Coaches, OHL coaches, and various Junior level coaches throughout North America . This helps players get development and exposure to get them to that level. I just actually had a 16 year old player named Matthew Rempe sign with the Seattle Thunderbirds just a few days ago. Matthew is an undrafted 16 year old that was passed over two times in the WHL and now is signed as a 16 year old.

Enough about hockey. Do you had also the opportunity to see the town or the nearby Tatra Mountains, or you spent all the time watching hockey games?

I really enjoyed myself in Poland it's very different from North America. I remember my walk from the hotel to the hockey arena and it was like a picture from a post card. I thought to myself I want to come back in the winter and walk through this village when there is just like a cm of snow. It was so beautiful. And I am not a winter guy at all I hate the cold weather, but that would be worth a trip just to witness it first hand.

European style of life is different than in US. What surprised you here the most?

European style is very different from North American style. I really like how the pace in Europe is. I find it a more casual less stressful life style. Europe is very beautiful and has a lot to offer. I remember taking a train into Nowy Targ and just thinking to myself I can get use to this style of living. In North America we either drive or fly everywhere so this was a nice different break for traveling. Great way to see the world and not very expensive either! I really enjoyed my time in Europe and I can not wait to go back as I plan my next visit for the near future! I'm looking forward to catching a lot more games and hopefully signing some future Blizzard players in the very near future!

Is there anything you wolud like to say and we didn´t ask?

Thanks so much for your time and generous hospitality. I really enjoy the European culture and the great people that are involved with the hockey out there. Both on and off the ice.