The story of 2005 Rangers third-round draft pick Brodie DuPont – The Hockey Writers New York Rangers Latest news, analysis and more

Professional sports offer the glitz and glamor that young athletes dream of, but it takes effort to achieve that. Brodie DuPont suited up for the New York Rangers in 2011. His time Madison Square Garden may have been short, but DuPont’s journey was anything but. He built an admirable career in the American Hockey League (AHL) and Europe, and his story is worth telling.

The foundations of DuPont

Hailing from St. Lazare, Manitoba, DuPont learned the game in his hometown before joining the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He first hit WHL ice at the age of 16. The following season he gained significant minutes and his leadership began to grow. During the 2005–06 campaign he scored 18 goals, showing his emerging talent. His efforts were rewarded when the New York Rangers selected him 66th overall in the 2005 Draft.

After being drafted, DuPont broke out, scoring 37 goals and finishing his WHL career with 149 points in 195 games. In 2007, he moved to the United States and prepared for the AHL.

Join the Hartford Wolf Pack

DuPont found a home with the Hartford Wolf Pack. It didn’t take long for him to adjust to AHL life. As a rookie he collected 25 points. In line with his WHL tenure, DuPont took a big step in his second year and became a more trusted member of the roster. He spent four dedicated seasons with the Wolf Pack and grew into a reliable presence. He also scored double-digit goals in several campaigns, leading to his NHL debut.

Rangers debut

Six years after being drafted, DuPont traveled to State Farm Arena to face the Atlanta Thrashers when the Rangers were hurt. New York earned a 3-2 shootout victory. In his lone NHL appearance, he worked seven hard-working shifts, focusing entirely on the control line role. It was a fleeting glimpse of the sport’s biggest stage, but still a moment he earned through grit and perseverance.

After that one game, DuPont returned to the AHL, where he impressed with Hartford and later the Milwaukee Admirals. In 2012 it was time for a new challenge.

HC Valpellice

In 2012-2013, DuPont competed in Italy’s top division, Serie A. He impressed with HC Valpellice. Through 37 games, he scored 40 points and was a reliable force in the playoffs. After his time at Valpellice he moved to the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. DuPont spent three years with the Iserlohn Roosters and posted solid point totals in the DEL league. His experience and leadership helped guide his team.

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After a brief return to North America he returned to Europe. In 2018-2019, he joined the Dornbirn Bulldogs in Austria, where he posted a strong 35-point season. The following season he spent the year in Denmark with Herning Blue Fox, where his goal-scoring ability stayed with him. After Denmark, DuPont moved to Cardiff.

DuPont’s time in Cardiff

Wales is a country with a strong passion for rugby and football. However, in the capital of Wales you will find the Cardiff Devils, an important part of the Cardiff sporting landscape. DuPont arrived for the 2021-2022 season. Yet he came to Wales not only as a player, but also as an assistant coach. He made 19 appearances for the Cardiff Devils and scored nine points before suffering an injury mid-season.

The Devils’ then-head coach Jarrod Skalde left the team and DuPont stepped in as interim head coach. In this role, he guided Cardiff to the 2022 EIHL Playoff title, beating the Belfast Giants 6-3 in a memorable final that cemented his impact behind the bench.

Thanks to his performance as a rookie head coach, DuPont was named full-time head coach for the following season. It was another successful campaign and the Devils found themselves in the finals again. However, it was not to be as Belfast got its revenge. Since leaving Cardiff, DuPont has become principal and head coach at Bishop’s College.

DuPont’s story shows that even if you don’t spend an extended period in the major leagues, you can still find success in the sport. His story proves that passion is worth pursuing, no matter where it takes you. It is a journey built on faith.