By John Nugent
jnugent@abcnews4.com
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) -- Signing a contract with the South Carolina Stingrays was a no-brainer for veteran center Mike Hamilton.
"I was over in Scotland playing in the British Elite League and it wasn't the best situation," Hamilton said during a recent morning skate at the North Charleston Coliseum. "I ended up getting this opportunity to join the hockey club and I jumped at the chance, and I haven't looked back since."
Growing up in Victoria, British Columbia with Stingrays head coach Spencer Carbery made the decision all the more easier.
"We played on the same Junior B team," Carbery said. "I was 18-years-old, he was 16, and sort of developed a friendship ever since."
Hamilton was also a member of Carbery's wedding party just a few years ago.
Fast friends off the ice, but on the ice, they're polar opposites.
"Spence was a guy who played with some jam, he would get into those tough areas, never afraid to drop his gloves, definitely a good team guy, and you can see that in his coaching," Hamilton said.
"Mike was more of an offensive player, a point producer, and I was more of a get under your skin, rattle the other team type of player," Carbery added.
Playing for your good friend can present challenges and some good-natured ribbing from new teammates.
"I hear the odd chirp here and there." Hamilton said with a chuckle. "Things like 'buddy, best friend,' just throwing jabs here and there, all in good fun. But, it's strictly a professional relationship now. He's the coach. I'm the player, the same as any other guy on the team."
Good thing for the two, Carbery has some experience coaching guys, who are his friends.
"It's like when I played with Trent Campbell, Pierre Luc O'Brien, and Matt Scherer. I lined up beside them, I was in the locker room with those guys, but when the rules changed they understood. They know it's different now, are they still my friends, absolutely, but at game time, I demand a lot from those guys."
The transition for Hamilton has been smooth, seven points in his first seven games, adding some offense that has been sorely needed.
"It's a great group of guys, and a good coaching staff. I've only been in Charleston a short time, but it seems like a nice place, has some good fans, I've enjoyed my time and we're winning games too," he said.
"He is the consummate professional," Carbery said. "He takes his job very seriously. He comes in here in great shape, a real leader, and a true professional."
Not to mention a good friend.
Mike Hamilton (Provided)
