Yesterday, current London Knights forward and 2013 Montreal Canadiens first round draft pick Michael McCarron was selected to the United States World Junior Team selection camp. After a disappointing 2013-14 season in London and being an early cut during the team’s summer camp, he has played extremely well in London and earned his way back into consideration from USA hockey by putting up 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points in just 17 games this season.
McCarron is doing it all for the Knights right now, playing centre on the team’s top line with Max Domi and Aaron Berisha, playing in front of the net on the team’s powerplay, working with Domi on the Knights first penalty kill unit, and even getting in the odd fight, such as his tilt on Sunday with Mississauga’s Damian Bourne.
I recently had the chance to catch up with McCarron and asked him about his season so far, here’s what he had to say.
Michael McCarron on the difference between this season and last
“My endurance is a lot better than it was. I can play a full 60 minutes now, and I’m playing with two very good linemates who are making things easy for me.”
On The Chemistry with Domi and Berisha
“We just find each other out there on the ice pretty well. We talk alot and that helps alot. With Max though, anywhere you are out there on the ice, even if he’s looking the other way, he will still find your stick and puck the puck on it. He sees the ice really well. As for Berry, he has a very good shot, and the three of us complement each other very well.”
On His Shoulder Injury and Rehab
“(The Rehab) was pretty fast and easy. We have the best trainer in the world here in Dougie (Doug Stacey), and he got me going in four weeks. They said it was going to be six weeks, but I felt strong enough before that. With Dougie helping, I’m not surprised at all.”
On the Knights strong month in November and How to Get Back to their Winning Ways after Three Straight Losses
“We need to start winning more one-on-one battles all over the ice. We need to support each other more. I feel like we have been doing a good job up until this weekend and we will need to focus more in practice this week and get back to winning those battles. If you want to win in this league, you have to win one-on-one battles and we are going to figure that out this week.”
On the Transition to Centre and Adapting to a New Position
“Its not that much harder. Its still just playing hockey, the game that I love, so its not too hard. There is a little bit more defensive responsibility and a mindset. Its a little easier for me though, as being a big guy that size helps alot in winning draws, and overall the change in positioning has been a few minor adjustments.”
I’d like to thank Michael McCarron for taking the time to speak to me. If you’d like to follow him on twitter, you can check him out @MacAttackUSA93.
To follow the London Knights in their quest for another OHL title and a shot at the memorial cup, be sure to check out LondonKnights.com.
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