The New Brunswicker No One is Talking About in the QMJHL

Kale MacCallum is having a career year in the QMJHL.

That’s right you probably haven’t heard anything about him or his play. The 19 year old from Quispamsis, New Brunswick is playing inspired hockey for the rebuilding Val d’Or Foreurs.

MacCallum suited up for 85 games with the Saint John Sea Dogs over the last two seasons, but never really got to play an offensive role due to their depth on the backend.

You see depth can be a strength or it can be a player’s worst nightmare. For young players especially defencemen depth means you might see yourself in the press box for no reason other than it being a numbers game.

The Foreurs acquired the hard nosed skilled d-man in an off season trade with the Memorial Cup host Sea Dogs.

MacCallum is one of those players that goes unnoticed because of how he plays the game. The smooth skating transitional two and half zone defender isn’t flashy by any means. He’s a heart and soul defender that takes pride in his own zone and playing a gritty two-way game. At 5”11 some critics would say he’s too undersized to play at the pro level, but the jump in his offensive numbers this season might garner some attention from pro scouts.

You see all some players need is a new opportunity a change of scenery to reach their full potential.

In 28 games with the Foreurs MacCallum has four goals and 20 assists, with 23 PIMs. Obviously, some will look at his plus minus and say he can’t play in his own zone, but that’s life for a defender who plays in every situation on a rebuilding team.

The old hockey adage, “it’s tough to notice good defencemen on a bad team” rings so true for Kale MacCallum .

It wouldn’t be surprising to see a player like Kale MacCullum spark interest during the QMJHL Trade Period. Any championship caliber team could definitely use him, but let’s hope they use him in a role that could maximize his full potential.

There’s no question Kale MacCallum has earned a spot as an overager in the circuit next season. Believe it or not that’s top priority for many 19 year old players trying to solidify themselves in the Q, especially around this time of year.

You see it’s all about value, it’s all about proving you belong and Kale MacCallum when given the right opportunity in the right environment at the right time has certainly done that. His success isn’t a fluke, or it’s not because he’s 19 and supposed to do that, it’s not a perfect storm.

Kale MacCallum always had this potential, he always had the ability, he was finally given the opportunity to show it, in a new environment which is great to see.

As a scout we all try to project players at 19. “Where will he be at 19”?

Well Kale MacCallum has proved people wrong and some people right!

Kale MacCallum is the New Brunswicker that no one is talking about in the QMJHL, well until now.

Hard work, perseverance, patience and persistence always pays off.

It’s always great to see young players coming into their own.

It’s not hard to route for a player like that.