In just his second season with the Canberra Brave, Jacob Carey has transformed from a young prospect with potential into one of the team’s most consistent and impactful forwards. With three games still to play, he’s already surpassed last season’s point total and currently sits as the second-highest scorer on the roster. But for Carey, the biggest shift hasn’t been physical, it’s been mental.

A Shift in Mindset

Carey spent the offseason in the United States playing in the USPHL and working with a mental performance coach, an experience that’s had a profound effect on both his game and his overall approach.

“While I was in the States, I worked with a sports performance coach. It wasn’t just about hockey, it helped me grow as a person, a leader, and a player.”

The impact has been obvious not just in his scoring touch but in how he carries himself day to day. “I’m less worked up about the whole hockey thing. It’s made me more confident and more present on and off the ice.”

That confidence has been reflected in his ability to stay composed during tough stretches of the season. Whether it’s a missed opportunity or a narrow loss, Carey now responds with maturity and focus, a skill that’s as valuable as a puck in the net.

Why Brave?

Carey’s path to the Brave began a year earlier than most realise. The team originally reached out when he was fresh out of high school, but the timing didn’t line up. After sustaining a serious concussion and returning home to New Zealand, he reignited the conversation.

“I reached back out to Jordie to see if the offer was still there. Three days later, we got on the phone—and the rest is history. It’s the best decision I’ve made.”

What stood out to Carey was not just the chance to play high-level hockey, but the culture he was stepping into. The Brave’s identity as a tight-knit, high-character team made the leap across the Tasman feel less like a gamble and more like a calling.

Built on Grit

Carey defines his game not by flashy plays, but by effort and reliability. He thrives in high-pressure moments, especially around the net.

“I like to think of myself as a grinder at heart. Hard work first, skill second. I’m probably a shooter, but I’m good in front of the net. Tipping pucks is a big part of my game.”

That hard-nosed style has earned him not only the respect of his teammates but a growing fan base that appreciates hustle as much as highlight-reel goals.

And when the stakes are highest? “I thrive under pressure. When the lights are bright, it helps me find that extra gear.”

Learning to Lead

Carey has quietly grown into a leadership role by observing the culture built within the Brave locker room.

“There’s a lot of good leaders in the room, it’s not just the guys with letters on their jerseys.”

He credits veterans like Matt Clark and Cam Todd, not just for their on-ice play, but for holding teammates accountable and setting the tone.

“Clarky came up to me after a rough period and said, ‘You’re brutal, you’ve got to be better.’ I went and scored a couple of goals and he’s like, ‘That’s better.’ That’s leadership. It’s about knowing when to raise people up and when to hold them accountable.”

Carey also notes the impact Mitch Henning has had on him throughout the season, and the way captain Kai Miettinen has modelled how to treat people and adapt to different personalities. “Mitch’s work ethic is something I have been inspired by since the start of last year. He is always working on his game and putting extra reps in, wanting to make find ways to be better. Kai has also been a huge influence on me in terms of how I treat people as a leader and adapt to the personalities in the locker room. I really can’t give enough credit to the guys.”

Carey also uses those lessons abroad, bringing leadership to his USPHL team during the AIHL offseason. It’s a full-circle moment that proves the Brave aren’t just building players for now, but shaping leaders for the future.

AIS Moments

The move to the AIS Arena has brought more than just bigger crowds—it’s given Carey the kind of moments players dream of.  Having already delivered several momentum-shifting goals in front of the packed house at AIS, each one is met with the roar of 3,000 fans and a celebration that reflects how much it means to him.

“AIS is triple the size of the Brave Cave. You’re surrounded by fans, and when that place pops off, there’s no better feeling. Scoring a big goal there… it’s what you dream of.”

Kiwi Pride

Carey continues to represent his home country on the international stage, having played two years with New Zealand’s men’s team and serving as alternate captain for the U20s New Zealand team at the World Championships. The Brave, he says, have played a huge role in his growth as a national team player.

“To get 30 extra games a year against elite talent, that’s huge. The relationships, the opportunities… it’s pretty special.”

That experience has made Carey not only a better player, but a role model for young Kiwis dreaming of similar paths. He’s proof that opportunity exists when you combine talent with determination.

Locked In for Finals

With the Brave pushing toward another Goodall Cup run, Carey knows exactly what it’s going to take.

“We’ve faced a lot of adversity this year, but we’ve grown from it. Our fastball keeps getting harder to hit. At the end of the day, it comes down to effort, and we’ve got that in spades.”

Whether it’s a net-front scramble, a big-game goal, or an encouraging word to a teammate on the bench, Jacob Carey is showing he belongs in Brave colours—not just now, but for the long haul.