By Derrick Newman

hitmenhockey.com

Jimmy Bubnick is not the first member of his family to play in the Western Hockey League, but he is carries the family torch with ease.

Bubnick had a lot of people to show him the way in the WHL, including his older brothers, who both toiled in the league for various teams.

“They kind of paved the way for me and made it a lot easier,” said the 6-foot-2, 195-pound centreman.

Starting in the 1997-98 season, older brother Michael led the way for the Bubnick family when he also showcased his talent for the Calgary Hitmen. Next in line was Jonathan, who went on to play for three different teams including the Kamloops Blazers, Regina Pats and Portland Winterhawks. Now Jimmy has been given the family reigns and is helping the Calgary Hitmen stride forward towards a long playoff run.

“I think we're going to make a good run in the playoffs,” said Bubnick, who has only played in two playoff series prior to this year; both first round exits while playing for the Blazers. 

He arrived in Calgary only two months ago and while getting traded is never easy, Bubnick has found a new home in a very short time playing for the Hitmen.

“Obviously it was a bit shocking at the start but once you got over the initial shock, it was pretty exciting to get traded to a place like Calgary,” said Bubnick, who played in Kamloops for the past two and a half seasons prior to the trade. “The fans here are great; it’s a real nice city.”

Traded alongside forward Tyler Shattock and defenceman Zak Stebner, Bubnick said that sharing the experience with some familiar faces made the transition a lot easier.

By bringing a bit of everything to the ice, Bubnick considers himself a jack of all trades who can score, pass and assert his physical stature when given the opportunity.

Hitmen Head Coach Mike Williamson wholeheartedly agrees with Jimmy’s self assessment.

"He is a good all around player and he kills penalties," said the first-year Hitmen bench boss. "He is a good leader and going forward he is going to be a big part of this team.”

Being a junior hockey player brings about many distractions that can lead any hopeful professional hockey player off the road to success.  Back in his hometown of Saskatoon, Bubnick dabbles in every sport imaginable to make sure he stays busy.

“I guess whatever keeps you occupied and off the streets and away from the distractions that you can find off the ice,” said Bubnick, who is an avid golfer and wake-boarder and used to play a little baseball too.

This strong work ethic led Jimmy to being drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 6^th round of last year’s Nathional Hockey League Entry Draft.

Although playing for the Thrashers next fall would be a stretch, Bubnick isn't ruling out the chance. 

“I will most likely be back here," he surmised. "I would have to make the NHL team which is a long shot, but I will keep on working hard and plugging away.”