WATCH: Signing an NHL contract for the first time is a dream come true for any young hockey player, but for Calgary born Austin Carroll, signing with the Flames was for more than just himself. Brendan Parker reports.
CALGARY – Austin Carroll was wearing a Calgary Flames sweater long before he even realized exactly what it was.
“That was his standard Halloween costume from the age of two on,” said his mother, Jennifer Carroll.
He’s still wearing one, only now as a full-time member of the organization.
“Now to see him out there wearing the official jersey…is a proud moment for me,” said his mother.
After getting drafted by the Flames last summer, Carroll signed his first NHL contract this March.
“Probably one of the happiest days of my life,” said Calgary-born Carroll.
“I was pushing pretty hard during the year to prove to them I deserve that contract, and we signed it a couple of days before my birthday.”
It was a dream shared by Carroll’s biggest supporter and father, Phil, who passed away in December of 2012 after a five-year battle with prostate cancer.
“We were kind of in it together and we still are in many ways. When I’m out there working hard, I’m definitely in the back of my mind knowing this is what he’d want me to be doing,” said Carroll.
His mother said losing his dad and best friend was extremely hard for the family.
“But Austin has really risen from the ruins and the darkness of the place he came from,” she said. “I’m so proud of him. He has shown more in the last two years, and has grown up, excelled and kept himself going.”
His dad remains a major source of inspiration, helping Carroll get to where he is today.
“I always think, what would my dad be doing in this situation?” he said. “If I’m in the gym and don’t quite want to do that last rep, I know that he’d be in my ear pushing me.”
Carroll’s mother said the experience of watching his dad fight for his life has impacted his hockey game.
“When he steps on the ice and has to fight for those 45 seconds on the ice to get a goal…and make things happen for his team, that’s a small thing to have to do compared to what he watched his dad do,” she said.
Carroll’s hockey journey is far from being over. The next goal is to one day suit up for his hometown NHL team.
“Putting on the ‘flaming C’ would be a proud moment,” said Carroll.
“He’s done well for his dad, he’s done well for himself, and he will do well for the Flames,” said his mother.
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