During his days playing major junior hockey, Dr. Jay Stark thought about his future beyond the frozen pond.
‘I got a lot of back injuries playing hockey,? he said. ‘Chiropractic was one of the things that kept me going. It was a good fit for me when I started my undergraduate career.?
After his last year of junior hockey in 1991, Stark, 35, entered the University of Calgary, where he played college hockey for a couple of years while beginning his chiropractic studies. Today, he operates Brandon Chiropractic on 70 S. Ortonville Road in Ortonville.
Stark, who grew up in British Columbia, first took up hockey at the age of seven. He said every young boy in Canada participates, in some fashion, in what is considered Canada’s national sporting pastime.
‘It’s like football or baseball here,? he said.
In 1986, Stark achieved a milestone many local hockey fans dream of ? being drafted by the National Hockey League’s Detroit Red Wings. Stark, a defenseman, signed a three-year contract, but never made it to the NHL.
However, he played major junior hockey out west in Portland and Seattle before finishing his junior career with the Flint Spirits of the International Hockey League in 1990-91. Along the way, Stark had the chance to play with and against some current and former NHL players.
Heading the list are two perennial NHL All-Stars, Joe Sakic of the Colorado Avalanche and Mike Modano of the Dallas Stars. ‘Even in juniors, they were incredible,? Stark said. ‘They were phenomenal players.?
A couple of former Red Wings, Brent Gilchrist (whose autographed Wings jersey adorns Stark’s office along with other memorabilia) and Luc Robitaille, were also among his junior opponents.
Other NHL players, past and present, Stark went up against in juniors were: Mark Recchi (Philadelphia Flyers), Glen Wesley (Toronto Maple Leafs), Jeff Finley (St. Louis Blues), Mick Vocata (New York Islanders) and Turner Stevenson (New Jersey Devils).
Stark’s favorite junior league memory came when he took part in the Memorial Cup, which he described as the Stanley Cup of junior hockey. Stark said the first-place teams in the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Hockey League and Western Hockey League compete for the cup.
Today, Stark lives in Davison with wife Jeanine, 36, whom Stark met during his playing days. The couple has two children: daughter Kasey, 11, and son Spencer, 5.
He said hockey taught him a valuable life skill which can be put to good use no matter what the profession.
‘Playing hockey is a lot like being in the military,? he said. ‘You lead a very disciplined life. It teaches you a good work ethic.?