Andy Willigar plays defense for Huntsville Havoc. He is a native of Alberta, Canada. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – At the young age of three years old, Andy Willigar first started playing hockey. Today, he handles defense for the Huntsville Havoc Hockey Team.

“I grew up in Innisfail, Alberta Canada. Hockey is obviously a very popular sport in Canada. My Dad played, as well as the majority of my family,” Willigar said.

His professional career began in 2013 when he joined the Columbus Cottonmouths of the Southern Professional Hockey League or SPHL. “I played three seasons in Columbus before joining the Havoc this January,” he said.

Willigar attended college at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology or NAIT in Edmonton, Alberta, which is considered a leader in technical training and applied education. “I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in personal fitness training,” he said.  

Luckily, Willigar didn’t suffer from ‘culture shock’ when he moved from Alberta, first to Georgia and then to his team in Alabama. “I feel very comfortable living in the South. The people are very friendly, the weather is excellent, and we have the best fans in the league,” he said.

“The only hurdle I face (by leaving here) is missing my wife and family back in Canada,” Willigar said.

Q & A

Q: What are your favorite restaurants?

A: “I’m a big fan of Farm Burger and Panera Bread,” he said.

Q: What are your favorite foods?

A: “Definitely can’t turn down a good burger,” Willigar said. “I also love breakfast food. Three eggs and some turkey bacon is a favorite of mine.”

Q: What are your favorite sports teams?

A: “I follow the Edmonton Oilers in the National Hockey League and the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball,” Willigar said.

Q: What is your favorite sports memory?

A: Willigar best remembers his “final year of college. I was fortunate enough to score the game-winning goal in double overtime to win the league.”

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: He likes to play golf and guitar.