Hockey a family affair for Jets' Trottier

A name can go a long ways, but actions speak louder than words when it comes to the Trottier family.

Jordy Trottier, a second-year forward with the Fargo-Moorhead Jets, has come along way in the skates of his father, Monty, and uncles, Bryan and Rocky, when it comes to hockey.

Bryan Trottier played 18 years of professional hockey from 1975-94 for New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins. He amassed 1,425 points (524G, 901A) as a center and collected six Stanley Cups, including four consecutive from 1979-83 with the Isles.

Overall, Bryan has been apart of seven total Cups as a player and coach. He was named director of player development for the New York Islanders in 2006.

Rocky was drafted eighth overall by the New Jersey Devils back in 1982. Playing in 38 NHL games he scored 10 points (6G, 4A). He played a total of seven years in NHL, AHL and Europe. Rocky works for the rinks in the Indianapolis area while running TNT Hockey Schools, Inc.

Monty was selected in the fourth-round by the Islanders and was called up twice during the playoffs for practice and joined brother Bryan for the Cup years. In six seasons with the Indiana Checkers and Springfield Indians, he bagged over 200 points (78G, 111A). Monty now resides in Bozeman, Mont., with his wife, and sells insurance and runs hockey camps.

“Jordy takes to all sports real well because he loves competing,” said Bryan Trottier. “It was when he was in diapers he started to work on his slap shot; his parent’s furniture took a beating.”

Born and raised in Indianapolis until he was 14 years old, Jordy remains that rough-and-tough Montanan which has served as his permanent home over that last five years. Not being the biggest guy on the ice has ever hurt Jordy because his puckhandling skills were superb and his puck awareness seems to be flawless.

“I remember when his dad was coaching a high school team in Indiana and Jordy was probably 6 or 7 years old helping out and to get some ice time with the team,” said Rocky Trottier.  “While hanging with his dad, Monty and his assistant coach were running some passing drills and teaching the players to pass hard and firm, which these kids are anywhere from 14 to 18 years old.

“So here's Jordy out there catching passes that could be clocked at 50 miles per hour,” he continued. “I said something to Monty about maybe taking a little off the pass so Jordy could catch it and his reply was, ‘Well, he may as well learn to catch this way now, it won't get easier.’

“That sounds like a typical dad, or maybe his Grandpa Buzz Trottier, who would say something similar. I thought it was funny, and of course Jordy was doing his best to catch them and caught quite a few.”

While in Bozeman and in high school, Jordy had his classes altered so he could practice with the Icedogs and play with his school team his freshman and sophomore year. Listed at 5-foot-4 and 120 pounds his sophomore year of high school, he recorded 102 points (43G, 59A) before joining the Bozeman Blackhawks of the Northern Pacific Junior League. He tallied 65 points (32G, 33A) during the 2005-06 season, positioning himself in the top of the league and making the all-star squad.

“I don't think I treated him much different from other players,” said Monty about coaching his son since age 5. “As you can tell from Rocky's comments, I expected more out of him than others, and for sure was a lot tougher on him than the rest of the players.”

Of all the years, there have been many memories made in Indiana, Montana and across the country only one comes to mind.

“Actually, my favorite hockey memory was when we went to nationals in PeeWee and Jordy won the skills competition,” said Monty. “Strictly because he was Rocky's protégé and willing to try any and every move that Rocky showed him.”

At the tender age of 19, Jordy remains the lovable, humorous and exciting hockey player he has come to be. Those who have only met him just once know what they are in for: a good time with a smile.

“It’s been in the last couple years that he’s growing stronger, more mature and with more confident,” said Bryan Trottier. “He’s very intense and focused while regimented on workouts. “He really seems to enjoy the challenges and adversities that come from sports, as well the camaraderie that comes from being part of the team.”

Q & A with Jordy Trottier

Q: With all the hockey influence in your life, do you think you have an advantage or is it just in your blood?
A: Definitely an advantage because I always got the help I was seeking from Bryan and Rocky and any questions I had, they had the answers for me. It was very helpful to get anything I needed from guys who have achieved success at the highest level.

Q: What is your most favorite memory growing up in Indiana?
A: Playing with the “Trottier 5,” which included Bryan, Monty, Rocky, Bryan Jr. and I at the TNT hockey camps. This was always a blast and we had lots of fun skating together.

Q: What has playing for your dad taught you about hockey?
A: Tons about hockey, such as where to be on the ice and what to do with the puck. When we watch games, he’ll always say did you see that, and we will talk about the play or how I can use that to improve my game. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for him because of his support, on and off the ice.

Q: Of all the success you’ve achieved, what has been your favorite goal scored?
A: There are a select few actually. I think very few people can limit themselves to just one. Also, winning the skills competition was milestone.

Q: Any advice you have for future players?
A: Dream big and work for everything because nothing will ever be given to you and most of all have fun. If you practice with purpose and emotion you will play with passion and confidence!

During the 2007-08 season with the Jets, Jordy has played in all 27 games posting 20 points (5G, 15A). Trottier continues to be a force on the power play and penalty kill.