Senior Spotlight: Al McLean – Ohio State Buckeyes
3/5/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
March 5, 2015
The Buckeyes will compete in their final home series of the 2015 season at 5 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Saturday vs. No. 15 Minnesota. This marks the final time the 2015 seniors will compete in Value City Arena.
Read on for a Q&A with senior defenseman Al McLean.
1. What was it like growing up in a family of avid hockey players?
I’m blessed to have been surrounded by a family of hockey players;father, brother and a few cousins all embracing the game so early left me no option than to do the same and for that I couldn’t be more thankful.
2. What is the best hockey advice your father has given you?
The main thing he has stressed more than anything is just to enjoy the game no matter what happens. There are many ups and downs that relate to life lessonsthat I will carry with me forever.
3. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not playing hockey?
I enjoy reading, watching sports, staying in touch with my friends from back home, and obviously playing video games.
4. What is your favorite part about playing for Ohio State?
The part I enjoy most about playing at Ohio State is the power the Block ‘O’ really carries. Wherever we travel we aren’t very well liked by opposing fans, which is awesome.
5.What skills set you apart as a player?
I think more than anything I am a student of the game. I am usually watching hockey of any level when I have free time.
6. Does teaching hockey to younger students help you grow as a player?
I’m not sure it has really helped me grow as a player but it has given me more of an appreciation of those who have helped me in the past. Paying that forward with the youth now is very special.
7.What do you enjoy the most about the sport?
The camaraderie amongst teammates is the main driver for me in the sport and going to battle for each other creates a pretty unique bond.
8. What is your favorite memory with the team?
One memory I will never forget is sweeping *ichigan at Yost my freshman year.
9. What has been your biggest challenge playing for Ohio State?
The biggest challenge for me at Ohio State is balancing my schedule of hockey and academics.
10. What will you miss the most about playing for Ohio State?
Similar to above, I will miss being in the locker room with my teammates everyday.
