Redmen Draft Pick - Holden Garlent

Over the next few weeks the Brooklin Redmen will be introducing their 2018 draft picks and protected players. Tonight we introduce Holden Garlent (Thorold, ONT) who was selected in the 1st round of the 2018 draft, 2nd overall.

What did it mean to you to be drafted?

Being drafted second overall is a dream come true. I never received any calls before draft day so I was a little unsure of what to expect. I am just extremely happy the way it all happened and I couldn't be happier. Excited to get a chance to play at such a high level and can't wait to get training camp going.

What did it mean to be picked by the Redmen?

It meant the world to be picked by the Redmen. Connor Kearnan who was protected this year by Brooklin and myself both go to Canisius and we were kind of joking about possibly playing for the same team in Major Series Lacrosse. It's pretty amazing that it all worked out. I feel this year we should have a really strong team and hopefully get a chance at a long playoff run in a Brooklin Redmen uniform. 

How did you find about being drafted?

When I found out about being drafted  I was actually in my school library, my phone buzzed and I saw a tweet from the Redmen saying they drafted me. About a minute later Brad MacArthur gave me a text explaining who he was and his role with the team. We talked on the phone a little after that just about how excited I was and any questions I may have had. Being drafted is a huge accomplishment, but now I need to focus on having a good training camp in order to earn a roster spot come May.

What is your fondest memory of playing minor lacrosse?

My fondest memory of playing minor lacrosse would have to be winning B provincials with my older brother (Hunter). I think we were in Peewee or something like that, but since he was older I only got to play with him every other year. It is a memory I will never forget and was one of the last times we ever had the chance to play on the same team.

If you could give minor lacrosse players advice, what would it be?

If I were to give minor players any advice it would have to be that you need to love the game you play and cherish every moment of it. Most people don't know that I was a lacrosse goalie for about 3 years leading up to my major midget season. I started to fall out of love with the game so I decided to change back to playing out of the net, best decision I've ever made. If I continued to play goalie I wouldn't be in the position I am now.

How would your teammates describe you?

I hope my teammates would describe me as a player who cared about them more then I did myself. I think they would describe me as a great leader that worked hard every day on and off the floor.

How would your coaches describe you?

I have played for two Junior A teams in my career and I feel as though I have grown to have a fantastic relationship with both sets of coaches. In St. Catharines it was more of a friendship than a player-coach relationship. I hope that Sean Allen would describe me not only by my on floor play but more as a person off the floor. I think he would describe me the same way my teammates would, as someone who cared about the team more than himself. As for Six Nations, Patty Merrill and I grew a good relationship over my short time in Six Nations. I feel that Patty would describe me as a player who was hungry to win. I never was given a chance at a Minto Cup, and when I got traded I believe I showed that there was nothing I wanted more than to raise that cup over my head. 

You played in the Minto Cup in your final year, describe the experience.

The Minto Cup is by far the greatest experience I have had throughout my lacrosse career and winning it topped off an unforgettable year. I don't even know where to start, it was just amazing. To be given the opportunity to play for one of the most prestigious trophies in Lacrosse is something I will never forget. Hoisting the trophy in front of my St. Catharines teammates and family was one of the greatest times of my life. The entire couple weeks of the Minto will also go down as some of the highlights of my life. Friendships and memories of that night are some I will carry on forever.