Full Circle: My Journey Back to Where It All Began
Ethan Quick's Player Profile
Growing Up in Trenton
When I think about my hockey journey, it’s impossible not to picture the place where it all started the Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens in Trenton, Ontario. That’s where I played my first few years of hockey, learned to skate, and first fell in love with the game.
I spent countless hours in that rink, dreaming about one day playing under the bright lights in front of a packed crowd. Back then, I was just a kid with big dreams. I never imagined I’d one day be wearing that same jersey in front of my hometown fans.
Breaking Into Junior Hockey:
At 16 years old, I took my first big step forward, joining the Wellington Dukes of the OJHL. Being one of the youngest guys on the team was intimidating at first, but it taught me how to adapt fast. The pace, the size, and the intensity of junior hockey were all new to me, but that year set the foundation for everything that came next.
Living the OHL Dream
The following year, I got the opportunity every young player hopes to play in the Ontario Hockey League. At 17, I joined the Ottawa 67’s and later the Barrie Colts.
​
Stepping into those OHL rinks was surreal. I was surrounded by elite players, coaches, and fans who lived and breathed hockey. Every day felt like a new challenge faster pace, tougher opponents, and higher expectations. But those experiences shaped me and gave me confidence to compete at any level.
Returning to Wellington
After my OHL season, I decided to return to the Wellington Dukes for my 18-year-old season. Coming back to Wellington felt right, it was where I could play a leadership role, contribute in big moments, and rediscover the fun side of hockey. The Dukes gave me a chance to refine my game and grow both as a player and a person.
Balancing School and Hockey
Once that season wrapped up, I enrolled at the University of Guelph, beginning a new chapter as a student-athlete. But I wasn’t done with competitive hockey. I joined the Caledonia Corvairs of the GOJHL, a team known for its winning culture and hard-working identity.
Playing in Caledonia was a perfect fit. I could continue developing my game while focusing on my education. Our group had great chemistry, and the season taught me a lot about consistency, leadership, and accountability.
Returning Home for the Playoff Push
When Caledonia’s season came to an end, I got a call that brought everything full circle. The Trenton Golden Hawks were making a playoff push and wanted me to come home to help.
It didn’t take long to say yes. Pulling on that Golden Hawks jersey for the first time was an emotional moment. I was back in the same rink where I learned to skate only this time, the stands were full, the lights were bright, and the crowd was cheering for me.
Brining the Championship Home
That playoff run was something I’ll never forget. We had a tight-knit team that bought in completely. Every night, the energy in the Duncan McDonald Memorial Gardens was electric fans waving towels, kids at the glass, families packed into every row.
We kept building momentum, round after round, until we finally punched our ticket to the 2025 Centennial Cup (National Junior A Hockey Championship). Representing Trenton on that stage, wearing that Trenton Golden Hawks Logo that I would see around the rink as a kid, was one of the proudest moments of my life. It felt like every hour I’d ever spent on the ice back home had led to that moment.
