Former USU hockey star Burrell enjoying Belgian career, beer

Aaron Burrell, pictured on the day of his Belgian hat trick, plays for White Caps Turnhout.

By Jerome le Carrou

November 4, 2005 | Former Utah State hockey captain Aaron Burrell left Logan in September to play professional hockey in Belgium.

The Canadian-born star who scored 205 goals during his career at USU thought he had to give the professional world a try. The all-time USU leading scorer signed with the White Caps Turnhout last summer.

Burrell, who has been in Belgium for a month and a half, has already scored four goals and had one assist. He said three goals came in a 7-5 victory over Heist Olympia. Burrell said he has also about 20 minutes in penalties.

Burrell said the White Caps Turnhout have just finished the Low Countries Cup, tied for first among Belgian teams, but far behind in the standings of the Dutch teams. However he said his team beat a Dutch team for the first time Oct. 30. Burrell said they beat Geleen Eaters, 3-2.

Burrell said he got in a fight this past Sunday against Geelen, "The guy I fought decided to cross check our small Swedish center man, so I proceeded to whip his ass. Just to get the message across, you can't take cheap shots without paying for it," Burrell said.

"I'm one of the biggest on our team, therefore I have to take care of my teammates who are on the ice with me," Burrell said.

Burrell said they are now starting competition for the Beker Cup, an all-Belgian team championship. He said they have 13 games left in this series.

"We have proven to be one of the favorites to win this cup. We have healthy competition in the Belgian cities of Leuven and Deurne. Turnhout will likely battle one of these teams in the cup final, Jan. 7," Burrell said.

Burrell said the play there isn't very physical. "However, many Canadian imports on each team step up the physical play," he said.

Burrell said the speed is fast and the stick work is incredible.

"There are guys here with great hands and speed. Instead of using their bodies, they're skilled at controlling you with their sticks," he said.

Burrell said Belgium is a beautiful country and he said the beer is excellent; however, he said he missed the mountains at home.

Talking about his former Utah State teammates, Burrell said he is wondering how his boys are doing. Burrell said he hopes they are playing tough.

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