
Rob O’Gara was going about his day like it was any other with the Providence Bruins on Feb. 20. But his day would take a turn.
The defenseman found out he was traded along with a third-round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft for blueliner Nick Holden.
"It was an adjustment," O’Gara said. "It was crazy. It was unexpected. Just going about my business down there, and all of sudden my whole world changed."
For the 24-year old, who was the 151st pick in the 2011 NHL draft, the trade brought a new beginning and also brought him closer to his family and friends.
The Long Island native was born in Massapequa and grew up in Nesconset on the eastern part of the island.
Growing up as a New York Islanders fan, he was familiar with the team’s rival. He and his family felt the energy in the building when the two teams met.