Job offers cultural rewards

Jason Becker first ventured overseas in 2000, little knowing he’d still be playing in Europe eight years later.

He began his odyssey with the Bremerhaven REV of the 2.GBun League following five seasons with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.

“I made it known to ( U of S coach) Dave Adolph that I was interested in going to Europe and asked him if he had any connections,” says Becker.

“It was around the middle of May when I got my first phone call from (Jamie Bartman) from Medicine Hat, who was coaching in Germany. He said he had heard some good things. Right then and there he pretty much made me an offer. He gave me 10 days to decide.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I took full advantage of it.And here I am (eight) years later. “I can’t believe it’s gone this long.” Becker played five seasons in the Western Hockey League, split among the Saskatoon Blades, Red Deer Rebels, Kamloops Blazers and Swift Current Broncos.

“I never really dreamed of playing in Europe. During university I first got the itch, hearing about how players had gone over there, like Dave Struch and Dean Seymour and Cam Bristow.

“It was a chance to travel and a chance to do something I love and still get to paid to do it.

“They supply each player with an apartment, a vehicle and take care of the flights for you and your family. It’s a pretty good deal.

“I’m doing OK. I was able to purchase a townhouse and a new vehicle.”

While the money is good, the overall experience is even better.

“You always meet new people in the hockey world,” says Becker, 33.“Now I know people halfway across the world. I’ve made a lot of friends that are of European descent — German, Italian, Russian, you name it.” And the toughest part? “The first couple of years, being away from family and friends. I’ve been pretty fortunate, my wife (Jaimie) — girlfriend at the time — was able to take time off school.The past (four) years, after we got married, she’s been able to come out the whole time.

“What I miss most right now are 7-Eleven Slurpees.”

Becker had the opportunity to play on the same German team as former Huskies teammate Jeremy Stasiuk.

“His first year over there we played together and (two seasons ago),I played against him.It’s always nice to see a familiar face, but it’s not always fun to have to battle him in the corner or in front of the net. “(But) I think he took it easy on me.” After spending last season with the ECHL’s Reading Royals, Becker is returning to Germany later this summer.