It has been a while since a Wolfville native was part of the roster for the Acadia hockey Axemen, but K.C. Brown is making the most of his opportunity.
In his third and final season with the Axemen, Brown, who turned 26 on Jan. 5, has settled into a regular spot on the team’s fourth line.
The six-foot, 225-pounder has contributed to the team's success in a variety of ways, including contributing three goals and nine points to the team's regular season total.
"I'm a role player, I know that - an energy guy," Brown said. "I play a physical game - take care of the defensive zone first, and if I'm able to chip in a goal or two here and there, it's a bonus."
Christened Kenneth Charles, Brown has always been identified by his initials, K.C. (pronounced 'Casey'). He grew up in Wolfville, and started his hockey career with East Kings minor hockey.
When Brown reached the atom level, he was talented enough to play AAA, but East Kings had no AAA teams. Not about to let that stop him, he transferred to West Hants for the remainder of his minor hockey career. He then played four years with the Truro Junior A Bearcats, during which time he started to take some university-level courses.
In Truro, Brown, who had been known as a scorer in minor hockey, cracked the 20-goal plateau twice, scoring 23 goals in 2006-2007 and 22 in 2007-2008, before slipping to 10 goals his final season.
On to the Axemen
In his first year with the Axemen in 2011-2012, Brown got into 24 games, scored three goals and added two assists while playing with his usual energy.
After playing just 14 games last season, he got into 18 during the 2013-2014 regular season and had three goals, nine points and 37 penalty minutes. He was a +8 in the plus-minus count, and one of his goals was a game-winner.
Brown feels he has definitely played more quality minutes this season than in his two previous years with the Axemen.
"I'm happy with my year," he said, both personally and in terms of the team's performance, which saw Acadia finish second in the regular season standings and earn a first-round playoff bye.
Despite some injuries, the Axemen have been able to consistently roll four lines in most of their games.
"Our depth is one of our strengths as a team," Brown says. "It definitely helps to be deep, and being able to roll four lines helps us wear down opponents."
Acadia began its semifinal battle against the Moncton Aigles Bleus last week. Brown was anticipating fans would see good hockey during the playoffs.
"Every team that will make the playoffs is a good team, and capable of winning it all,” Brown said.
A dream come true
Brown says that playing for the Axemen was always a dream while growing up.
“I wouldn't miss a game until hockey started taking over my weekends,” he said.
"It's always the dream of every young hockey player to someday make the NHL. Growing up around here, playing for Acadia would definitely be a close second."
Getting into the lineup, he added, always makes him feel like he’s contributing to the team.
“Last year, I didn't get to play much, but I stayed positive. I knew if I got a chance to play, I could contribute, and I feel I've done that this season."
Playing for the Axemen as a 'hometown boy' has been "a cool experience" for Brown. "There are always tons of people in the stands I know, and there are always family and friends to watch me play."
He added he normally feels "no real pressure" being a local player, "except maybe I put a little pressure on myself sometimes."
Brown graduated in May of 2013 with a business degree, and returned this fall for one more season of Axemen hockey. He has "no idea what the future might hold" for him, but he is realistic that in hockey terms, "there's a good chance this might be the end of the road for me.”
First things first, however.
"Right now, I'm focused on the playoffs, and getting the job done," and helping the Axemen realize their ultimate goal of winning an AUS championship.
"I'll have lots of time to worry about the rest later."
Brown said he has "no regrets at all" over choosing Acadia, which has allowed him to realize a lot of his own dreams.
"I've loved my experience here," he says, "and I'm looking forward to enjoying whatever time I have left."
It has been a while since a Wolfville native was part of the roster for the Acadia hockey Axemen, but K.C. Brown is making the most of his opportunity.
In his third and final season with the Axemen, Brown, who turned 26 on Jan. 5, has settled into a regular spot on the team’s fourth line.
The six-foot, 225-pounder has contributed to the team's success in a variety of ways, including contributing three goals and nine points to the team's regular season total.
"I'm a role player, I know that - an energy guy," Brown said. "I play a physical game - take care of the defensive zone first, and if I'm able to chip in a goal or two here and there, it's a bonus."
Christened Kenneth Charles, Brown has always been identified by his initials, K.C. (pronounced 'Casey'). He grew up in Wolfville, and started his hockey career with East Kings minor hockey.
When Brown reached the atom level, he was talented enough to play AAA, but East Kings had no AAA teams. Not about to let that stop him, he transferred to West Hants for the remainder of his minor hockey career. He then played four years with the Truro Junior A Bearcats, during which time he started to take some university-level courses.
In Truro, Brown, who had been known as a scorer in minor hockey, cracked the 20-goal plateau twice, scoring 23 goals in 2006-2007 and 22 in 2007-2008, before slipping to 10 goals his final season.
On to the Axemen
In his first year with the Axemen in 2011-2012, Brown got into 24 games, scored three goals and added two assists while playing with his usual energy.
After playing just 14 games last season, he got into 18 during the 2013-2014 regular season and had three goals, nine points and 37 penalty minutes. He was a +8 in the plus-minus count, and one of his goals was a game-winner.
Brown feels he has definitely played more quality minutes this season than in his two previous years with the Axemen.
"I'm happy with my year," he said, both personally and in terms of the team's performance, which saw Acadia finish second in the regular season standings and earn a first-round playoff bye.
Despite some injuries, the Axemen have been able to consistently roll four lines in most of their games.
"Our depth is one of our strengths as a team," Brown says. "It definitely helps to be deep, and being able to roll four lines helps us wear down opponents."
Acadia began its semifinal battle against the Moncton Aigles Bleus last week. Brown was anticipating fans would see good hockey during the playoffs.
"Every team that will make the playoffs is a good team, and capable of winning it all,” Brown said.
A dream come true
Brown says that playing for the Axemen was always a dream while growing up.
“I wouldn't miss a game until hockey started taking over my weekends,” he said.
"It's always the dream of every young hockey player to someday make the NHL. Growing up around here, playing for Acadia would definitely be a close second."
Getting into the lineup, he added, always makes him feel like he’s contributing to the team.
“Last year, I didn't get to play much, but I stayed positive. I knew if I got a chance to play, I could contribute, and I feel I've done that this season."
Playing for the Axemen as a 'hometown boy' has been "a cool experience" for Brown. "There are always tons of people in the stands I know, and there are always family and friends to watch me play."
He added he normally feels "no real pressure" being a local player, "except maybe I put a little pressure on myself sometimes."
Brown graduated in May of 2013 with a business degree, and returned this fall for one more season of Axemen hockey. He has "no idea what the future might hold" for him, but he is realistic that in hockey terms, "there's a good chance this might be the end of the road for me.”
First things first, however.
"Right now, I'm focused on the playoffs, and getting the job done," and helping the Axemen realize their ultimate goal of winning an AUS championship.
"I'll have lots of time to worry about the rest later."
Brown said he has "no regrets at all" over choosing Acadia, which has allowed him to realize a lot of his own dreams.
"I've loved my experience here," he says, "and I'm looking forward to enjoying whatever time I have left."
