Pardy playing crucial role on Jets blueline He hasn’t scored a goal in 162 games. He’s never scored as a member of the Jets -- a span of 105 games -- but Adam Pardy believes he’s playing the best hockey of his career. TSN 1290 Jets play-by-play man Paul Edmonds has more.

Paul Edmonds Play-By-Play Announcer, TSN Radio 1290 in Winnipeg Archive

He hasn’t scored a goal in 162 games.

He’s never scored as a member of the Jets -- a span of 105 games -- but Adam Pardy believes he’s playing the best hockey of his career.

Now in his second season with the Jets, the well-traveled defenceman has found a home on the blue line in Winnipeg.

After 10 years, multiple cities and three different professional leagues, he’s finally landed some job security and a little stability, and admits it’s been worth the wait, although he’s not prepared to allow the journey to end any time soon.

“I feel like it’s the best I’ve played overall,” Pardy said. “I feel that I haven’t reached my potential as a player, but I’m definitely getting there.”

Drafted in the sixth round (173rd overall) by Calgary in 2004, Pardy played 147 games for the Flames over three seasons. He’s also had NHL stops in Dallas and Buffalo with minor league time in the ECHL and AHL.

But aside from three games with Winnipeg’s top affiliate in St. John’s last season in his home province of Newfoundland, Pardy’s time with the Jets organization has been predominately in southern Manitoba.

It is with the big club that he has flourished under head coach Paul Maurice system where the 30-year-old’s stay-at-home, first-pass style has allowed him to become a solid contributor on the back end.

“I was never really been a dynamic player when I was younger,” Pardy said. “I’ve taken a little bit of a different route; a little longer and a little harder to get here. But you find your role and a place where you can be effective as a player and that’s how it is for me.”

Pardy concedes there’s not a lot of “flash” in his game, but there is versatility. As a left-handed shot he’s played several of his 45 games this season on the right-side of the ice, a difficult assignment for any defenceman based on the speed and angles of the game. And while challenging, it’s allowed him to take a regular shift, frequently kill penalties and even play the wing on two occasions this season.

It’s an ‘anything to help the team’ approach and his coach, among others, has recognized the commitment Pardy has to the collective.

“He’s been playing his off-side for an awful long time,” says Maurice. “We like him on the PK. And we like some of the things he’s able to do with that size of his. We like a lot of things he does. He’s earned the right to be in the lineup.”

For the six-foot-four, 227-pound Pardy, knowing the coaching staff likes your game and commitment level is emotionally uplifting. It is especially rewarding when the franchise is pushing toward a playoff spot and you’re one of the six defenceman or 12 forwards included on the lineup card every game.

“That shows that they trust me out there,” Pardy admitted. “And that helps a lot mentally going into games knowing that the coaches have the confidence to put you on the ice.”

Born and raised in Bonavista, Nfld., Pardy says he’s found a home in Winnipeg as a player and a person. He describes living and working in the NHL’s smallest market similar to growing up back home with the friendliness of the people, the blue collar work environment and the love of hockey and its players.

“I relate a lot to (the city),” he said. “It’s been an easy transition and a lot a lot of fun coming in here playing, finding that spot and finally being part of a group where you know that you’re a big part of it.”

Pardy says the Jets are a tight group right now. Being similar ages, harmonious and focused exclusively on one team goal: playoffs.

“You want to win with these guys,” he said.

For his part, Pardy knows his role and limitations as a player. He doesn’t need to reinvent himself to be anything other than what he has been to the Jets for the past two seasons: solid and trustworthy.

Still, chipping in with a goal once in a while or even before the season ends would certainly allow him to feel he’s provided a contribution to the team in every area.

Pardy last scored a goal in the NHL four years ago. It came as a member of the Flames against St. Louis on January 26, 2011 to bring his grand total to four over his career.

“I can’t believe it,” he said with a chuckle. “I get a lot of chances too. It just won’t go in. I don’t know if the hockey Gods aren’t on my side. Hopefully one day I get one, but that’s not a primary focus because I don’t want to take away from any other parts of my game.”