The Adirondack Thunder’s Jeremy Brodeur wasn’t always a goaltender. As a kid, he started as a forward.

“I was on the same team as my older brother who was a goalie. And as soon as we grew apart in age for hockey, I made the switch to goal,” said Brodeur, with a laugh. “I don’t think I was too good of a player, so I’m happy I made the switch.”

Luckily, he had quite the coach. His father is Hockey Hall of Famer and New Jersey Devils goaltending legend Martin Brodeur.

“Probably different than how most kids grew up playing goalie,” Jeremy Brodeur said. “Having him and having someone to lean on and talk to about all these things he’s all been through, all his experiences … so he always has some insight on any situation I have.”

After finishing junior hockey, Jeremy Brodeur embarked on a professional career that has taken him up and down the East Coast, mostly with ECHL and AHL teams, and even the Manchester Storm of the Elite Ice Hockey League in the United Kingdom.

Last July, he signed a two-way contract with the Utica Comets, which is what has brought him to Glens Falls. But the move also put Jeremy Brodeur closer to his father, with Martin Brodeur serving as the Devils’ executive vice president of hockey operations.

“It was a no-brainer. We got that done as soon as we heard the news,” Jeremy Brodeur said. “So I was more than happy to be here and super excited to play out the rest of the season.”

“He’s got a great personality. Guys enjoy playing for him and he’s fun to coach, because he keeps it light but he’s also serious at the same time. It’s just who he is,” said Pete Macarthur, head coach of the Thunder.

At age 27, Jeremy is embracing the veteran role. Being one of the older guys in the locker room, he said he enjoys showing the younger players the ropes.

“I want to keep playing. I love the game,” Jeremy said. “I want to advance my career and see how far I can do that so when I look back when I’m 35 or 40 or whatever it is, that I put my best foot forward and did what I could.”