From NHL draft pick to country music star

Canadian country music artist Chad Brownlee spent his young life in the rough-and-tumble world of junior hockey.

He was even one of the Vancouver Canucks' 2003 draft picks, but injuries to both of his shoulders meant his professional hockey career was short-lived.

Undaunted, 30-year-old Brownlee, who grew up in Kelowna, B.C., but now calls Langley home, turned to his second love: music.

“It was kind of my stress-reliever from the game,” he said. “I would get lost in my music, so it was my No. 1 hobby when I wasn't playing hockey.”

Over the past six years, Brownlee, who said he leans more towards the rock-pop style of country music, has racked up 11 British Columbia Country Music Association Awards and even a 2013 Juno nomination for Country Album of the Year.

He said his experience with the “unstable world of professional sports” prepared him for the equally tough music business.

“It taught me to battle through adversity, even when there are obstacles and people telling you you can't go any further,” Brownlee said.

The musician is about to embark on a tour supporting his third album, “The Fighters.” It's the first time Brownlee has headlined a tour.

He'll be joined on the When The Lights Go Down tour — named after one of the album's singles — by fellow country musicians and label-mates Jess Moskaluke and Bobby Wills.

The tour includes a March 14 concert in Sudbury, when the trio hits the stage at the Sudbury Events Centre (19 Regent St.) at 8 p.m.

“I've been working hard on this show,” said Brownlee, adding that he's friends with the guys in his band, and he hopes that translates on stage. “We have a lot of fun, and we really just like to connect with the crowd.”

He said he's thrilled to have Moskaluke and Wills along for the ride.

“They're just fantastic artists and people,” Brownlee said. “They've become good friends of mine over the last few years. They're only going to enhance the show.”

The musicians will also play a guitar made out of hockey sticks by Canadian guitar-maker Jeff Robinson.

The guitar will be auctioned off after the tour on Brownlee's website, chadbrownlee.com, with proceeds going towards the Tim Hortons Children's Foundation.

Tickets to the event cost $35 each, and are available at Lockerby Confectionary. Visit whenthelightsgodowntour.com for more information.