Get to Know Nathan McBrayer
2/13/2024 9:08:00 PM | Men's Ice Hockey
Nate McBrayer, the youngest player of this year's freshman class, is a Columbus native whose love for hockey began at age three when he attended a Blue Jackets game. He began to skate not long after his first hockey game and even learned at the Ohio State Ice Rink, tying him to the Columbus hockey community from a young age.
Along with hockey, McBrayer played soccer as his second sport for the majority of his childhood. He stopped playing soccer around age 13 when he began to narrow his focus to solely hockey. McBrayer explained he thoroughly enjoyed his experiences playing hockey growing up. He said, "All of my coaches were really helpful in getting me to where I am today, and I can't thank them enough."
McBrayer frequently attended Blue Jackets games growing up and they continue to be his favorite team. In contrast, his favorite player as a kid was Alexander Ovechkin, who plays for the Washington Capitals. Even though Ovechkin was his favorite player, McBrayer tried to model his game after defenseman Zach Werenski, another Blue Jackets player. He explained that he admired watching Werenski skate and looked up to his ability to make his talent seem effortless in the ice.
Unlike many of his teammates, McBrayer did not move around much as a teenager to play on various hockey teams. He began playing for the AAA Blue Jackets when he was nine and played there for seven years. When he was 16, he moved to Muskegon, Mich., to play in the USHL where he spent two years before coming to Ohio State.
Growing up locally, McBrayer would often attend Ohio State football and hockey games throughout his childhood. He shared that he also has family members who went to Ohio State and wanted to follow their path. He said, "I always wanted to be here, so when they called me, it was a pretty easy decision."
Along with hockey, McBrayer is majoring in finance. He shared it is not easy to balance schoolwork with hockey because of travel. He explained he does his best to complete his work in advance of travel days and games, which helps him.
Apart from hockey and school, McBrayer spends his time in the off-season with his family and friends. He also enjoys traveling to warm places, playing golf and hanging out by the pool. He explained it's nice to be able to be with friends who he doesn't see much during the year.
From learning to skate at OSU, to being in the stands, to playing on the ice, McBrayer has been a fan of Ohio State his whole life. He has loved his year at OSU so far and is very excited for what more is to come.
