For South Glastonbury, Conn., native Garrett Sundquist, there was no place like Providence College when aspirations of playing Division 1 hockey started to become reality for the future. His father, Erik, played four years for the Friars and was a senior on their 1995-96 team that won a Hockey East championship.
Garrett had a strong family tie to Providence that was established at an early age, but it was hard for the veteran Selects Hockey Academy defenseman to turn down joining the Hockey East program that has rapidly become a perennial national contender.
Garrett Sundquist discusses his path from the Nutmeg State to Friartown in New England Hockey Journal’s latest Commitment Q&A:
How would you describe yourself as a player? Are there NHL players you try to emulate?
I am a defensive defenseman. I really don’t like getting scored on. I try to do everything I can to keep the puck out of our net. I like to block shots, clear bodies out of the front of the net, and clear pucks out of the zone.
I have always liked Zdeno Chara and the way he competes to keep pucks out of his net. It isn’t always the prettiest thing to watch, but I think all of his peers respect the way he plays and competes.
What made Providence the right fit for your college career?
I have always liked Providence as a school and, of course, my dad has always been in my ear telling me what a great school and hockey program it is. It really checked all the boxes for me. I was very happy that there was mutual interest. PC has a great academic reputation, a lot of alumni connections working for great corporations, a hockey program that has made five NCAA tournaments in a row, a great coaching staff, and first-class facilities. How can you say no to that?
What did you take away most from your conversations with Nate Leaman and his Providence staff?
I really liked how honest Coach Leaman was with his assessment of my game and where he thinks I will fit into the program. He told me exactly what I need to work on to have success at the next level (focused on puck handling, backhand passing, and progressing on my breakout passing and footwork) and what the staff is looking for in a player and student-athlete at PC. I felt like I would fit their mold well. Schneider Arena and the new Ruane Development Center are some of the best facilities you will find in the country.
How much did your dad’s history influence your decision?
I’m not sure where I should start. From the time my brothers and I were born, we were wearing PC hockey outfits. He brought us to games when we were little and brought our youth hockey teams to games when we were playing in the area. He is a very proud PC alum and always wanted one of his boys to go to school there. Being able to be a part of the hockey program is just icing on the cake.
What intrigued you most about the college hockey path in general?
The path to college hockey is so competitive. You are only as good as your last game. You may have a great game and no coaches are there to watch, and you may have an average game with a bunch of schools there watching. It really puts pressure on players to play at their highest level possible every single game, which isn’t always easy to do with six or seven games in a weekend at a showcase.
Was staying close to home important to you in the college decision-making process?
I really wanted to stay close to home, if possible. I had some other schools recruiting me, but I always knew I wanted to go to PC. As soon as they showed interest and offered me an opportunity to go there I jumped at it.
You’ve played at the South Kent Selects Academy for the last couple of seasons. How have the coaches there helped make you a better player?
I have enjoyed my time at South Kent the past few years. The coaches have all been instrumental in my development and they provide all of the tools necessary to have success. We have a very nice facility with everything a player could ask for to get better. We have ice time available to us when we have free period during the school day and coaches are always willing to go on the ice and work on your skill development. Aside from the hockey aspect, the coaches really push you to be the best student and person you can be, so more opportunities are available to you.
What areas of your game do you think you've improved upon the most this season in transitioning to the 18U level?
I think this season, playing for new coaches, our defensive group has learned a lot of plays from our D coach Karl Linden that we will most likely be seeing at the next level. He has consistently worked on reverses, bump plays behind the net, and clean outlet passes to forwards. I definitely think I have improved my puck moving skills this year under coach Linden.
What areas of your game are you looking to develop most as you prepare to make the jump to college?
I think the biggest area I can continue to improve is with my puck handling and stick skills, getting pucks through to the net in the offensive zone, and conditioning to be able to keep up to the pace of junior and college hockey.
What are your main individual goals for the remainder of the season? And where do you see yourself next season?
I don’t have any individual goals other than continue to improve my overall game. My goals are all team-oriented. I want to be a key contributor who helps my team get to the nationals and make a run at the championship. Every player wants to play at the highest level, so I am looking to play in the USHL or BCHL. I want to be sure that where I end up is a good fit for me to continue to develop my game and the coach knows what type of player I am and knows what the PC staff wants me to work on.
