Former Flin Flon Bombers defenceman Bradyn McCullough juggles a trio of jobs in the Calgary area.
He owns and operates Grizzly Irrigation and Drift Fly fishing guide service. As well, the Calgary product coaches hockey at PX3 AMP. However, he said his favourite role is that of being a dad to three sons.
“All of these careers are great, but I get the most fulfilment from my family,” said McCullough, who married his wife Erin earlier this year.
His 12-year-old son Jack was born just before McCullough’s 20-year-old season. The boy spent a couple of months in Flin Flon while his dad wrapped up his junior career, which ran 2004-2007. McCullough also has a three-year-old named Tripp and Grey, a seven-month old.
“Jack has grown into quite a good hockey player and the other two boys are Bombers in training,” McCullough said. “I can’t wait to see where their lives are headed but hope one day they get to experience what I have through hockey.”
He enjoyed his time on the Bombers’ blueline.
“I still tell stories about my experience,” McCullough said. “I am so proud to have been a part of the tradition. When you say you played for the Flin Flon Bombers, you are automatically given respect because they know you had to be tough to make it way up north in the SJHL.”
He said the people were the best part of the experience. Everyone was friendly and went out of their way to ensure the players had a great time.
McCullough remembers his teammates well.
“You build a special bond, travelling the province, battling for wins day in and day out. It is something you cannot describe unless you have been there, but the memories last a lifetime.”
In one of his current jobs, McCullough helps develop the next generation of player. He describes PX3 AMP as a new avenue for young players to develop through a completely different hockey model.
“We focus a lot of our time on the fundamentals of hockey, but also incorporate other sports in order to give the kids an opportunity to become a well-rounded athlete,” McCullough said.
Shortly after his final season with the Bombers, McCullough started Grizzly Irrigation. It is now 13 years old and going strong. He also operates a fly fishing company that does guided drift boat trips on the Bow River, and is the fishing chairman of Calgary Fish and Game.
“This is a great avenue for me to give back to the environment in an industry I have gotten so much enjoyment and memories out of,” McCullough said. “It is also a great opportunity to teach kids and provide the experiences I had growing up in a world where most kids spend their summers playing video games and never step outside to see what the world has to offer.”
The former Bomber said he has few regrets about his time in Flin Flon, but one is that he did not spend more time exploring the lakes.
“It’s such a beautiful landscape with a small population,” said McCullough, who noted he did get out a few times with teammate Bradey Fidierchuk. “It was very rare to run into anyone when we were out, and that’s what we dream of in Calgary. You are hard pressed to find a spot with no one around out here, but in Flin Flon, that is something which is easy to come by. It really is spectacular.”
