Jonny Brodzinski’s journey in the world of hockey is a captivating blend of personal passion and professional perseverance, honed over years of dedication both on and off the ice. Growing up in Minnesota, he began his hockey odyssey at an early age, spending seven formative years working alongside his father, Mike Brodzinski, at their family-run hockey store, initially known as Hockey Zone. This experience not only instilled in him a profound love for the sport, but also laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in coaching and skill development.
The store, which eventually transitioned to Hockey Central, became a hub for aspiring young players. In a serendipitous twist, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began to reshape the landscape of local businesses, Mike decided to gift an old Bauer training station—complete with artificial boards and ice—to his son. This generous gesture ignited a new chapter for the Brodzinski family, as Jonny envisioned a way to share his expertise with the next generation of hockey enthusiasts.
Thus, the Brodzinski Shooting School—Garage Edition was born in Greenwich, Connecticut. What started as a small operation quickly gained traction. Jonny initially welcomed a handful of kids eager to learn the art of shooting, but by the end of the summer, that number had swelled to 35-36 participants. “It just kind of snowballed from there,” he reflected. The joy of teaching young players the fundamentals and techniques that would serve them well in their future hockey careers became a source of fulfillment for him.
The summer camp catered to a diverse group of players, from girls preparing for their freshman year in college to a five-year-old boy. Each session involved shooting 300-500 pucks alongside strength training, all facilitated in the confines of his garage. The space, though limited, fostered an environment brimming with enthusiasm and determination. Notably, Jonny’s eldest daughter, Lucy, added a touch of charm to the proceedings, setting up her chair to watch and even operating her toy Zamboni to clean the faux ice after each session—an endearing reminder of the family’s deep-rooted connection to the sport.
Looking ahead, Jonny Brodzinski harbors dreams of expanding this venture beyond his garage. “Eventually, when I’m done playing hockey, that’s the goal,” he stated, envisioning a future where he could establish a dedicated training facility on a small piece of land. For now, however, the focus remains on his professional career, as he embarks on his tenth season in the NHL, a journey that has seen him reach new heights.
Last season marked a pivotal moment for Brodzinski, as he played a career-high 57 games and notched six goals and 13 assists. His resilience has paid off, particularly as he prepares to secure a spot in the Rangers’ lineup for the first time since joining the team during the 2020-21 season. “It’s something that I’ve known I could do this whole time,” he expressed, reflecting on the challenges he faced—including injuries and shifting roles. His determination to prove himself repeatedly has become a defining aspect of his career.
As the Rangers navigate their roster dynamics, Brodzinski finds himself in a prime position, particularly with fellow teammate Jimmy Vesey sidelined due to injury. The competition for the left-wing spot on the fourth line remains fierce, with Brodzinski emerging as a strong contender, complemented by his role on the second power play unit. Each training camp, he adopts a mentality of urgency, approaching the rink with the mindset that every day could be his last in the league.
Reflecting on his journey, Brodzinski credits the foundational years post-college as crucial to his development. Under the guidance of coaches like Mike Stothers in Los Angeles and the management team led by Dean Lombardi, he learned the importance of defensive play and physicality—skills that have become integral to his style. “Those first three years were the most important for my hockey career,” he recounted, acknowledging the vital role of coaching and opportunity in his ascent.
Jonny Brodzinski’s story is not just about hockey; it’s about resilience, the power of mentorship, and the impact of family. As he balances his aspirations as a professional athlete with his newfound passion for coaching, he embodies the spirit of a player who understands that every shot, whether on the ice or in life, counts. With his sights set on a future where he can inspire the next generation of players, Brodzinski continues to skate forward, fueled by the lessons of his past and the excitement of what lies ahead.