Hockey is widely known as Canada’s game. Many kids growing up here spend Saturday nights watching the Toronto Maple Leafs on Hockey Night in Canada, harbouring hopes for their big break.
For many kids, hockey brings a sense of pride; they feel most like themselves when playing. However, reaching the highest level remains a dream.
Cullen McLean, from Brooklin, On., embodies this dream. His journey through the world of hockey includes years of high-level competition, marked by a significant three-year engagement in the Ontario Hockey League, before settling in at Ontario Tech University for the past three years.
Reflecting on his OHL experience, McLean recalls competing against future NHL stars like Nick Suzuki and Arbor Xhekaj, who are now with the Montreal Canadiens, which he describes as a pivotal learning period. “It was good learning from guys who are in the NHL now,” he said.
At Ontario Tech’s Ridgebacks, McLean has seen considerable growth in his game. As a seasoned player, he’s become a key figure in offensive play and a mentor for the team’s newcomers.
Curtis Hodgins, the Ridgebacks’ coach, says McLean has improved continually each season during his three years with the team and “has become an extremely important piece for us.”
Hodgins notes McLean’s off-season dedication to his physical fitness has notably enhanced his strength and speed.
Hodgins says that beyond the rink, McLean is an ambassador for the university’s hockey program. He says he works with local community groups to assist with the development of minor hockey players and other community ventures, such as Hockey Gives Blood, a charitable initiative in which the hockey community comes together to donate blood and support blood donation services.
During his tenure with the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds, McLean’s performance was noteworthy, with a cumulative 26 points across two seasons.
McLean says he learned a lot during his time in the OHL. He learned from his good and bad actions and what he didn’t do but wished he had. He says being around players who would go on to the NHL helped him grow and become a leader.
Despite facing challenges with limited playtime at the Greyhounds, McLean’s journey with the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks marked a turning point, where increased playtime contributed to his development.
He says his role with the Ridgebacks has “gotten bigger and bigger” over time and that he has become a key player on the team. His first season was spent focused on learning the ropes, trying to adapt to the new style of play, and learning from older players on the team. But in season two with the program, he took a step forward, beginning to create more offense and more chances as he settled in.
McLean’s performance improved each year at Ontario Tech, with his points tally rising from nine in his first season to 22 in his third. With one more season left, he says he is poised for further growth.
Post-Ridgebacks, McLean aims to pursue professional hockey overseas. “I want to go to Europe, or something like that, go overseas and make some money playing professionally,” he said.