Chiefs Alumni Return to Successful Careers and Businesses in Chilliwack
Published by The Chilliwack Progress
What draws a junior hockey player to return to the community they played in, to start careers and lives? Two Chilliwack Chiefs alumni cite some common reasons, including the sense of community, nearby nature, and access to outdoor recreation.
“During my time with the Chiefs, Chilliwack became my home. I graduated from high school, made close friends, met my future wife, and started my working career,” says Derek Janzen, now Chief Operating Officer at Valley Waste and Recycling. He played for the Chiefs 2002-05 before going on to college hockey at Northern Michigan. “I appreciated the small-town feel, extremely kind and welcoming people, and the beauty of the mountains, lakes, and rivers here.”
“The outdoors, accessibility to nature, less traffic, and the community feel. I just love Chilliwack,” says Kevin Estrada, owner-operator of Sturgeon Slayers, a leading sturgeon fishing company, who played here from 1997 to 2001. After leaving the Chiefs, Estrada went on to college hockey at Michigan State, the AHL, the ECHL, and in Europe. “I knew I wanted to be involved in fishing and the outdoors.” So, with a business plan created at university, he launched his guiding career here and now heads one of the most recognized guiding companies in the world.
Asked if they felt their time with the Chiefs helped them in later life, both agreed it was a key point in their lives and named (former Chiefs coach) Harvey Smyl as a positive influence. “Harvey had a big impact on my life; he took me in at a young age, taking a chance on me. He helped me understand that nothing comes for free, or from what you did yesterday. It’s today’s effort that matters,” remembers Estrada. (My time here) “was a good life lesson of perseverance but also staying on track, and that’s helped me through not only my hockey career but also things in life”.
“Playing for the Chiefs taught me invaluable life lessons which helped me transition into the workforce,” says Janzen. “Hard work, discipline, dedication, perseverance, leadership, and teamwork. My coaches played a pivotal role in getting me to the next level, not only in hockey but also in life. The Chiefs organization prepares people like me for life after hockey. (See story re: Estrada’s company establishing record for the largest white sturgeon ever landed)
Turning their focus to today’s Chiefs, both alumni were asked if they had any recommendations. “In hockey and in life, a lot of it is the mental side. So, working on that mental toughness and resilience, I think, is important for young players,” reflects Estrada.
“What I would say is: embrace the opportunity! Live in the moment because these are truly some of the great times in your life. And make connections!” offers Janzen, adding “keep your school grades up and be a good role model”.
Other Chiefs’ alumni who have returned to Chilliwack after their hockey careers include Chiefs’ head coach and General Manager Brian Maloney, Nathan Martz, Wyatt Tunnicliffe, Kyle Nason, Mike Pfeifer, Brandon Fleenor and Cam Campbell, among others.
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PHOTO CAPTION:
Chiefs alumni Kevin Estrada (left) and Derek Janzen (right) are just two examples of former players who returned to Chilliwack after hockey to work and make a home.