Thunder Bay’s Kale Kerbashian, despite a bout with COVID-19, is enjoying a career renaissance with the Lausitzer Foxes of Germany’s DEL2 circuit.
The former member of the Thunder Bay Kings was never drafted into the National Hockey League but did sign with the Connecticut Whale back in March 2011, who were an affiliate of the New York Rangers.
Kale Kerbashian admits he wasn’t ready for the NHL: “Off the ice I was struggling with the highs and lows of being an NHLer as well as how to carry myself. Looking back on it, it’s unfortunate that it didn’t work out, I would’ve done so many things different.”
Kerbashian says ten years after the experience, he’s now comfortable helping the next generation of Thunder Bayers who have the desire to pay in the NHL.
Kale Kerbashian – courtesy of Thomas Heide/Lausitzer Füchs
Kale Kerbashian ended up hiring a Finnish agent during the 2017/2018 season to look for European hockey opportunities. He ended up playing two seasons in Slovakia’s Extraliga before signing in Germany last year.
“My parents came over and were just floored by the experience inside the rinks. Fans were chanting, using drums and at times fireworks would go off in the rink, it’s incredible! With no fans inside the rink this year, that atmosphere is hard to re-create,” Kerbashian said.
During his time in Slovakia, Kerbashian also volunteered outside of the rink: “I was helping teach young kids how to speak English. That moved into helping young adults learning the language. That was a pretty cool experience.”
Author Note: The Hartford Wolfpack are now the AHL affiliate of the New York Rangers
Upcoming Schedule
Monday February 22nd @ ESV Kaubeuren
Friday February 26th vs. Lowen Frankfurt
Sunday February 28th @ EC Bad Nauheim
Thursday March 4th @ Bayreuth Tigers
Saturday March 6th vs. Ravensburg tower stars
Monday March 8th vs. Ice pirates Crimmitschau
Friday March 12th vs. EV Landshut
