Gear says goodbye to junior hockey

Andrew Gear’s career as a member of the New Hamburg Firebirds has come to an end. The Elmira native spent four seasons with the team, the last wearing the captain’s C. Contributed photo

By Lee Griffi

Two-hundred and eighteen games played on the blueline. Ninety-two career points. Two Doherty Division titles. An appearance in the Schmaltz Cup semi-finals. Team captain during the 2025-2026 Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) season for the New Hamburg Firebirds.

Andrew Gear left his heart and soul on the ice for the team during four seasons, but said he would like to be remembered for his off-ice conduct just as much as on the ice.

“I believe my legacy in New Hamburg is represented by so much more than the success on the ice I have been lucky enough to be a part of. I really wanted to be remembered as a good person and someone who was always welcoming and friendly to everyone,” Gear told the Gazette.

The Elmira native added he did all he could to give back to the amazing community that supported him and his team over a four-year journey.

“I’ve tried to be the best leader I could possibly be, and it's been a true honour and privilege to help lead this team the last few years, and wearing the C is something that I will never take for granted. I hope my legacy in New Hamburg was not only focused on the great successes I’ve been a part of, but most importantly, the person and leader I wanted to be each and every day.”

Gear said there isn’t really one specific memory that stands out. He prefers to reflect on all four years.

“I was going to university, so I didn’t know if minor hockey would be it for me. I am forever grateful I had this opportunity with a team that did some pretty incredible things, but more importantly, meet some amazing people in the organization.”

He added it’s far too difficult to pick one person from the Firebirds who had the most influence on his career, but had many people to thank.

“The entire coaching staff, president Gord Mills and everyone behind the scenes. Both Als, Brucey, all the trainers from Kate to Angela this year, and the big one standing out is Billie Jo Mark (the team’s player-support person) and how much she does for us behind the scenes.”

Gear said the overagers he played with during his first season played a vital role in his development.

“They were very welcoming and made me feel comfortable right away. In the past few years, I have been able to meet some of my best friends, from Kyle Kraemer to Jake Thompson and Antonio Pasqualino.”

Former captain Owen Fischer was also a positive influence on Gear’s career. He added while this season was disappointing, he had no regrets with the team’s performance.

“We’ve had some pretty special teams the last few years. We had a fair bit of turnover this season with new faces and some younger guys. It would have been nice to win three straight (Doherty) championships for the town, but at the end of the day, I am proud of the team. We gave everything we had.”

While Gear has some aspirations to remain active in the sport, his priority right now is school. At the same time, he isn’t ruling anything out and we may find him behind a bench somewhere.

“Going to teacher’s college is the big focus for me. Growing up in minor hockey, you have those non-parent coaches, and those were some of the best years. They were in their mid-20s and giving their time back to the game. Getting into coaching is always something I have wanted to do, especially as a non-parent.”

Gear is finishing his undergraduate studies this year and has two years of teachers’ college ahead of him.

“I am hoping to teach around here. My dad is a teacher and my mom is also in the education field. They are both my biggest inspirations in life. Teaching around New Hamburg would be cool, maybe Grade 8, but we’ll see how it goes.”

He added he is appreciative of the media coverage by outlets such as the Gazette, just as we are thankful to him for making himself available during the season.

“Whenever I had the chance to talk to you or the 519 Sports guys, it kind of made it feel like we’re in the big leagues. Those videos and even the interviews I’ve done with you, I can look back on in 20 years and rewatch or reread, and it will be special.”

Gear had one final message for the New Hamburg fans who support the team every season.

“Thank you for everything from start to finish. It’s been an incredible ride and every single playoff run we’ve packed the Wilmot Rec Centre. It’s been pretty special for my teammates and me. We have some memories in that arena that will last a lifetime.”

Firebirds head coach and general manager Shane Gerber said it’s hard to put into words what Gear has done for the program in New Hamburg.

“He’s a good hockey player, but he’s a fantastic person. He’s got an infectious way about him. He’s always positive and he has a way of making people laugh, but he has a way of being serious when he needs to be. He’s the total package.”

Gerber added Gear has grown tremendously both on and off the ice, despite being shy when he first joined the team.

“He was kind of quiet when he started, but once he found his way, he really opened up to the point where it was easy to make him the next guy to follow Owen (Fischer).”

Gerber explained how fortunate his teams have been to have tremendous leadership, something which leads to a positive culture in the locker room.

“It started a few years ago now, and it took some baby steps, but it seems to be working out that the guys who have been here for a few years, like the Owen Fischers and Andrew Gears, they seem to follow each other and they really work for each other.”

The process has already started to name a captain for the 2026-2027 season, and Gerber said it won’t be an easy task.

“There are so many good people in that room and guys keep emerging, which is a result of the leadership group in the past. We have guys we never would have imagined being considered for a captaincy. It’s too bad we have to pick one captain, but we have plenty who are deserving.”

Gerber added despite the Firebirds goal to win at least a division title each year, the organization allows players to focus on work and school first.

“We stress that when they come here. School is important, and hockey is hockey. We allow them the time to develop into the career they want to follow. We will continue to do that, and we wish nothing but the best for everyone who leaves our program. Andrew will be a good teacher; I am sure of that.”