EHL’s Bears proving to be solid fit for Centennial native, Arapahoe, LHA alum McGinty

Born in Florida, Aidan McGinty saw his hockey career take a decided turn when his family moved to Colorado and settled in Centennial.

After a stellar youth hockey career, McGinty is now enjoying his rookie season of junior hockey with the EHL’s New Jersey Bears.

“I talked and chatted with my advisor and thought it was the best decision for myself to play in the EHL,” said McGinty. “What appealed to me was all of the NCAA Division III commitments out of the EHL.

“I’m just looking forward to having fun with the boys and hopefully winning a championship. I think the biggest thing is to just take it one step at a time and do my part to help myself and the team win.”

Looking back, McGinty said he first took a liking to the game from his father Corey. He said the NHL didn’t really play a role, but he’s been a longtime fan of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Once he let his competitive juices flow in the Denver area, McGinty played for the Arapahoe Warriors, Littleton Hawks and Grandview High School.

“Coach Shawn Rafferty and my dad have been really positive influences on me,” McGinty said. “Last season (with LHA 18U AA) was a lot of fun on and off the ice at times, but could’ve been better all around. I think the season before, though, (at Pilot Mount Hockey Academy in Manitoba) really prepared me because of all the traveling and more of a business type of ordeal.”

Moving forward, McGinty has his eyes on staying on the ice.

“My short-term goal is to hopefully go D-III and go to school for finance,” said McGinty. “And right now, I’m not too sure what my long-term goals are but hopefully I can play for as long as possible.”

Photo provided by Aidan McGinty

— Matt Mackinder