Kinrade likes what he sees in Europe, heading back to SC Bern for season two in August
By Bruce Fuhr
Geoff Kinrade knew he was taking a chance by signing a professional contract in the Czech Republic in the summer of 2011.
However, the Nelson Minor Hockey grad probably didn’t realize he’d be seeing a lot more of Europe than originally planned.
Kinrade, finished up his inaugural season playing professional hockey in Europe with SC Bern of the Swiss League after starting the campaign in the Czech Republic for HC Plzen 1929.
“Though I loved living in Plzen and enjoyed my teammates, things were not working out with the coach and the transfer to the Swiss league was a great opportunity,” the 26-year-old Kinrade told The Nelson Daily from Penticton, his off-season home.
“(But) it was a good move for me as the NLA (National League A) is probably the best European League to play in for an import player.”
Kinrade made the decision to try hockey in Europe after he failed gain the attention of the Ottawa Senators management following the 2010-11 season.
Despite playing a key role in the success of Ottawa’s farm team in Binghamton — Kinrade played in all 23 playoff games as the Senators won the AHL’s Calder Cup and was plus-2 with a goal and four assists — the smooth skating defenceman realized the chance of getting a shot at the parent National Hockey League club was remote at best.
So when his agent found a team in Europe, Kinrade inked a one-year deal, believing he could parlay a positive season across the big pond into an NHL opportunity with another team.
“I really enjoyed living in Europe,” explained Kinrade, following in the footsteps of other Nelsonites — Simon Wheeldon and Bruno Campese — who have gained notoriety playing in Europe.
“It was a very cool experience since it was my first time leaving (North America).”
Kinrade played 34 games for HC Plzen 1929 before getting a transfer to SC Bern in January.
The former Nelson Leaf played seven regular season games with SC Bern before dressing for 17 playoff contests.
However, this playoff ride did not conclude with the same playoff magic as Kinrade experienced in Binghamton.
SC Bern finished the season losing out in the seven-game final against ZSC Lions.
SC Bern watched as a 3-1 lead evaporated before their eyes.
Then in the final game, at home not less, Trail native Steven McCarthy scored the winner with time running out.
How ironic that a Nelson Minor Hockey grad goes across the ocean to lose out in a hockey final to a Trail Minor Hockey grad in a 2-1 game-seven victory for ZSC Lions.
“There were similarities and differences, but playoff hockey is always going to be intense, so it felt the same,” Kinrade said about the post-season ride for SC Bern.
Former Trail Smokie Travis Roche was a teammate of Kinrades while Jeff Tambellini, also with roots in the Silver City, was on the roster of ZSC Lions.
It’s been a wild ride, not only this season, but throughout the Geoff Kinrade hockey career.
The first season overseas only added to the rollercoaster ride.
“Living in Czech Republic was the most difficult since most people did not speak English,” Kinrade said.
“Western Europe is much more English friendly as almost everyone can speak at least a little English.”
“(But) I got to see a lot of Europe,” he added. “We played games throughout Finland in the beginning of the season and I also traveled throughout Germany, Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland on my own and also with hockey.”
And what’s in the cards for next season?
“I have already signed in Bern for next year,” heading back to Switzerland in August.
Looks like the NHL is going to wait at least for another season.
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