Blain Bacik has emerged as a cornerstone for the Chatham Maroons, combining defensive reliability with growing offensive contributions. His steady rise in the GOJHL culminated in earning the award for Western Conference Defenceman of the Year, an accolade that highlights his impressive season with 33 points in 47 games. Bacik’s ability to balance his defensive duties while contributing to the Maroons’ high-powered offence has made him an indispensable player.
“Winning Best Defenceman in the conference wasn’t something I set out to achieve,” Bacik says humbly. “My focus was on being the best version of myself, both on and off the ice, and being a team player. The award is an honour, but it’s more about contributing to the team’s success.”
“For younger defensemen, my advice is to trust the process. There might be setbacks, but every step is an opportunity to get better”
Bacik’s journey in hockey is rooted in his family’s legacy. “My dad and Uncles played for Chatham, so I also wanted to play here,”. “I was a late bloomer, though – at 16, I wasn’t getting much attention, but I grew into my game, and eventually, the calls from junior teams started coming in.”
That growth came with challenges. Bacik recalls being cut and spending time in Junior C before breaking into the Maroons’ lineup. “For younger defensemen, my advice is to trust the process. There might be setbacks, but every step is an opportunity to get better,” he says.
Now in his third year with the Maroons, Bacik has embraced his leadership role, evolving into a player his teammates look up to. “I’ve always been more of a lead-through play guy than a vocal leader,” he admits. “But as I’ve grown into the role, I’ve worked on being more vocal to help the younger guys adjust and move to the next level.”
Bacik’s development into a two-way defenseman has been a key part of his success. “I’ve always prided myself on being strong defensively, but the jump from my second to third year was all about confidence. I started getting more trust from the coaches, earning powerplay time, and finding ways to contribute offensively,” he explains. “Now, I’d say I’m a two-way player who isn’t afraid to create space and play a physical game when needed.”
Off the ice, Bacik balances hockey with his studies at St. Clair College in Windsor. His game-day routine reflects his practical approach: “I don’t like sitting around all day. I try to stay active, do some stretches, and focus on getting hydrated.”
Reflecting on his favourite moments in hockey, Bacik points to his first season with the Maroons, when the team won the Western Conference. “It was an incredible feeling … I’d never been on a championship team before. We hit our stride after Christmas that year and barely lost a game in the playoffs. It was one of the best years of hockey I’ve ever had,” he recalls.
Craig Spence played a significant role in shaping his game. “Craig was one of the smoothest players I’ve ever seen. He taught me so much during my first year and set the standard for the kind of defenseman I wanted to be,” he says. As the hockey community mourns Craig’s passing this year, it’s people like him who have shaped amazing leaders like Bacik.
Bacik takes immense pride in the Maroons’ dedicated fan base. “We have the best fans in the league – whether we’re at home or on the road, they show up in full force. The new guys are always amazed at how much support we get,” he says. The team’s connection to the community goes beyond the rink. “We’re lucky to be the main sports team in Chatham, and we make an effort to give back. We do events like the Breast Buddies program for cancer awareness, and auction off special jerseys to raise funds. We also collect canned goods for Christmas and go door-to-door for donations.”
With his blend of humility, skill, and leadership, Blain Bacik is leaving a lasting legacy in Chatham.
