Proud grandfather revels in Jared McIsaac's success

TRURO, N.S. – Along with the rest of Canada, there were some nerve-racking moments for Harold Barkhouse as he watched his grandson play in the world junior hockey championship game Sunday.
His grandson, Jared McIsaac, was a member of the Canadian team that scored three times in the final 11 minutes to defeat the Russians 4-3 in the gold medal game.
“When Russia was up three to one, with about 10 minutes to go, I said, ‘Oh, oh!’ But then there was a terrific turnaround,” he told the Truro News on Monday. “It showed what the team was made of.
“Generally speaking, I’m not a person who’s relaxed during the whole affair, but I have visions of what they’re capable of and it was very exciting. When they scored their second goal, I think they convinced themselves they could turn things around.”
Harold watched the game from home in Truro. Jared’s parents, Jamie and Sandra, along with sister, Jordan, travelled to the Czech Republic to cheer him on in person.
Harold did speak to his grandson, through a communication link, not long after the game.
“He was there with his medal and was all smiles,” he said. “He was thrilled to have a gold medal put around his neck.”
Harold watched the game again Sunday evening – much more relaxing this time around.
He headed to the airport Monday evening to pick up Jared and take him to his home in Dartmouth.
“I’ll be giving him a big hug, and maybe I’ll get to put the gold medal around my neck for a moment,” he said.
Jared grew up in Truro and played minor hockey in the Hubtown before his family moved to Dartmouth in 2013.
For a related story, see Lyle Carter's Sports Scene column on page B2.