A couple of weeks before the 2024-25 American Hockey League (AHL) season began, Jarred Tinordi’s future in hockey was uncertain.

He spent the last two years with the Chicago Blackhawks, playing in 96 games as a veteran presence on their back end. Considering that he entered the league in 2012, Tinordi is still proving that he has plenty of gas left in the tank.

On Sept. 10, an opportunity presented itself up north, and the defenceman from Millersville, Maryland found himself packing his bags and riding off to Calgary. He inked a one-year, two-way contract with the Flames, where he has spent his time with the team’s AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers. So far, Tinordi has carved out a role for himself as both a forceful defender and an impactful leader, enjoying each moment he spends on the ice with his new squad.

“It’s fun! Hockey’s fun! At the end of the day, it’s just a game that I am fortunate to get to play for a living,” Tinordi said.

Tinordi’s passion for the game remains strong and he has no doubt that the ice is the only place he wants to be. Even if the physical demands of playing and travelling can test those who love the game the most, the defenceman’s love of hockey keeps him on the rink with a smile on his face.

“I’ve been playing for a long time, but I’m still only 32,” Tinordi said. “I mean, it’s not that old in regular life terms. I just look forward to coming to the rink every day, which is probably the biggest thing that keeps me loving it.”

Despite the continued optimism that Tinordi has had throughout his career, there have been times when he was close to hanging up his skates for good.

“I was up and down for most of my career at the start, and then I was in the minors for three straight years without a single call-up,” Tinordi said.

“At some point, I started wondering if I was ever going to play another NHL game again.”

Tinordi did get several opportunities after that three-year absence, having stints with the Nashville Predators, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, and Chicago Blackhawks. He is trying to fight his way back up to the NHL once again, but he is also appreciative of the chance to play for the Wranglers, unlike other athletes who resent having to play in the AHL.

“When I was playing in the AHL as a young guy, I told myself that was never going to be me,” Tinordi said. “I never wanted to bring a negative attitude to the rink, because I think it just drags everybody down and doesn’t do you any good. I mean, everyone wants to be in the NHL, but if you’re here now, put the work in, and hopefully you get another opportunity.”

Although Tinordi still has a personal goal of reaching the NHL again, he has humbly taken on a leadership role on a youthful Wranglers team, playing with high effort and energy and inspiring his teammates, many of whom are younger than him, to do the same.

Leading by example is something that Tinordi takes pride in, especially when it comes to teaching his daughter. As a kid, Tinordi and his brother Matt would often skate with their father, former NHLer Mark Tinordi. Some of Jarred’s fondest memories from his childhood were cultivated during these ice sessions. Now he looks to create those same memories for his own children.

“That’s what it’s all about, right? Family,” Tinordi said. “I think my daughter is at an age now where she’s going to start remembering some of those moments, where it’s her playing the game or coming to the rink.”

Watching him spin around the ice with his daughter after a morning practice with the Wranglers, it’s hard to tell who is having a better time.

“It’s almost a little bit selfish for me because I have just as much fun by having her at the rink as she does,” Tinordi said. “I just want to cherish these moments while we’re in it because the end comes quickly, and you never know it’s going to be the end of your career.”

The flame still burns bright for Tinordi as he writes another chapter of his hockey career this year with the Wranglers. Tinordi’s story serves as an inspiration to all those players still hoping for their chance in the NHL. Tinordi’s outlook as someone lucky enough to experience the life of a professional athlete as well as his added veteran perspective is something the Wranglers are fortunate to have to help lead their young team this season.

You can catch Tinordi and the rest of the Calgary Wranglers all season long at the Scotiabank Saddledome as they embark on their quest to become Calder Cup Champions. Tickets are available on the official Calgary Wranglers website.