Quinn Binnie: A Hockey Journey
Seventeen-year-old Gormley resident and Country Day School student, Quinn Binnie ’22 was always destined for the ice rink. The son of a former OHLer and NHL draft pick of the Minnesota North Stars, Troy Binnie, and the youngest of three brothers, Beau ’17 and Mitchell ’14, hockey is in his DNA and it didn’t take Quinn long to pick up a stick and lace up a pair of skates.
Starting at the tender age of three, Quinn played in his local Aurora House League before making the jump to play select for North Toronto in the North York Hockey League as a youngster from Tyke to Novice, pursuing the same path as his brothers. When the time came for AAA, Quinn took the opportunity to join the Markham Majors and played there from Minor Atom to Peewee before making the switch to the Richmond Hill Coyotes.
But soon came a time of uncertainty in his life and the world. The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) was the next step, a goal he had worked toward for nearly his entire life, but the pandemic presented real uncertainty in achieving that goal.
Less than a month into the 2020 lockdown, Quinn was drafted 167th in the OHL draft by the Mississauga Steelheads. “I was so happy I got drafted into a great organization, but it was very weird. I didn’t know what to do next as everyone felt the initial effects of COVID.” It’s been nearly two years since the pandemic began and Quinn thoughtfully reflects on the learning opportunity. “Life is never a straight path. There are always twists and turns.”
The OHL did not return until the 2021-22 season and Quinn set his sights on making the Steelheads. After not making the initial roster last fall, Quinn joined the affiliate Jr. A Pickering Panthers in the OHJL. Patience and persistence paid off as Quinn got a chance after COVID cases created an opening on the Mississauga Steelheads roster at the end of December and played his first OHL game December 28th. “I got my opportunity, I did my job, and I’ve played well enough that they’ve kept me on the squad.” Not bad when you consider the Steelheads are having a terrific season and are currently ranked 8th in major junior hockey in Canada.
Quinn, a forward, likens his game to that of Blake Wheeler of the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets - a physical, imposing winger with a heavy shot. “I’m not going to make the end to end rushes, but from the blue line in, I will put the puck in the net and drive the net hard when I get my chances.”
The humble Grade 12 student knows his role on the team as a youngster looking to break through, eager to take advantage of the minutes he gets on the fourth line, be involved in the play and impress for the future.
Finding Quinn for our interview is a representation of how busy his life has become. Since joining the Steelheads five games ago, he has been all over the province while juggling his schoolwork and sleep, usually carving out some time to do homework and sleep on the long bus rides. “It’s definitely tough but my teachers are great and doing everything they can to help me. It’s kind of crazy and I’m doing my best to manage my workload.”
Quinn, who has attended CDS since JK, still has fond memories of playing CDS Hockey with his classmates over the years as well. His favourite memory was winning CISAA Gold in Grade 9 with the Varsity Hockey Team coached by Mr. MacMillan and Mr. Drake as he scored the second goal (the eventual game-winner) vs a raucous Greenwood College in the championship game.
“I have had the pleasure of coaching and teaching all three Binnie boys,” says John Andersen, CDS Athletic Director. “They are cut from the same cloth: classy, hardworking, respectful, and humble. I am proud of not only their accomplishments in the hockey world, but also of how they conduct themselves in their daily lives.”
As for his older brothers, Beau is playing D3 NCAA Hockey at Trine University in Indiana, while Mitchell played one year in Jr. B while in Commerce at Dalhousie before deciding to focus on his studies and now runs the family business, Haliburton Hockey Haven Sports Camp.
We wish Quinn and the Binnie boys all the best!
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
