Everyone gets sentimental or is drawn to a comeback story. It’s human nature to cheer for the underdog or the comeback story, but every one of those stories are unique. In Matthew MacLean’s case he missed what some players say is the most important year of their playing careers, their draft year. MacLean’s injury occurred at an age where some people might say it could be over for good.
The 2006 born defender missed the entire 2021-2022 season due to a severe injury suffered at the U-15 AAA level.
Everyone gets sentimental or is drawn to a comeback story, but no one really knows what goes through the mind of the individual and their family. From all the sacrifices and countless hours of rehab to all the setbacks and triumphs, very few ever experience the rollercoaster of emotions and the struggle within that athletes go through to return to the game they love.
“Even when I tore my ACL in 2021, I never gave up on my future aspirations,” admitted MaLean who played his first QMJHL game last week.
“I knew I was at a disadvantage compared to the rest of the 2006-born players, but I dug in and worked on things that were within my control while I awaited surgery and in the several months of recovery following.”
“That aspect was very disappointing for sure,” MacLean said of missing out on his draft year.
“Honestly, it really sucked knowing that I had no chance of getting drafted in my draft year when I was watching my teammates that I grew up with getting drafted.”
“Not being a part of a team atmosphere for so long was also a struggle,” admitted MacLean.
“When you train, practice and play with a tight group of guys with the same passion for hockey, you become so close with your teammates. I didn’t have that anymore.”
“I missed everything about hockey, even the little things, but that’s how I knew for sure that I needed hockey to be a part of my life and my future,” stressed MacLean.
“That really motivated me to keep working hard to try and get back to playing at a high level as fast as possible.”
“I think it was the dream of making it to this next step that kept me pushing through and preserving in the harder times,” confessed MacLean.
MacLean’s comeback to the game took a massive turn when an unlikely and definitely unexpected phone call came his way.
“When I got the call from Billy that there was a spot for me on the Summerside Western Capitals, I jumped up from U18AAA to Jr A. I wanted the opportunities to work on my skill development against bigger, older players, many who had experience in the CHL, including the QMJHL.”
“Matthew is a very driven athlete,” said Caps Head Coach Billy McGuigan.
“His desire to play at the highest level or be a valuable member of his team is extremely important to him.”
McGuigan and the Caps organization continues to develop 16 year old players/defenders at an alarming rate propelling them on to tremendous careers in the Q.
“Matt is a steady D that is physically strong and his strengths come from his willingness to compete at a high level. He was an asset to the Capitals when he joined us last season,” said McGuigan.
“I am always pushing myself to get better and playing with the Caps made me better at playing against these more experienced and physical players,” explained the skilled two way defender.
“Last season’s experience with the Caps was key to me continuing in my player development. I also had the off-ice lived experience with the guys on the road, in the community and at team events.”
“Last year in Summerside really prepared me for the jump to the next level of hockey.”
What went through his mind when the injury first occurred, and did he know that time your soccer and hockey career was over?
“In the beginning, we thought it was a minor injury or sprain and that I’d only need a few days or maybe a week to bounce back.”
“Timing wasn’t great as my hockey team was in the final best of 7 series of playoffs, and I wanted to get back on the ice and help the team. But my knee wasn’t getting any better; in fact despite a lot of physio and exercises, it was hurting more than ever.”
“It wasn’t until weeks later, when the injury still wasn’t healing, that the referral was made to an orthopaedic surgeon who confirmed I had a more serious injury that required surgery to repair.”
“Being sidelined from provincial soccer and hockey was devastating,” MacLean said.
The young defender remained confident and driven to make a full recovery.
“I knew after the surgery that I could make a full recovery and get back to playing sports, I was just worried that it wouldn’t be at the same level of competitiveness.”
“I’m thrilled to say that after my recovery I represented PEI at the U17 Soccer Nationals in British Columbia in October 2022 and joined the Summerside Western Capitals Jr A team as a 16 year old in November 2022.”
“I feel better than ever now,” MacLean said.
How difficult was it trying to prove to scouts that MacLean could play at a high level?
“It was definitely a little harder to get the scouts attention playing Jr A because they would typically watch the U18AAA games to scout players going into the Q.”
“I knew playing Jr A might not get me drafted as high, but I decided it was worth the risk because when I would show up to Q camp, I’d be better positioned to play against some more experienced players.”
“I was driven to make up for the time I’d missed and this sacrifice for Q draft position was something I considered and recognized before leaving my U18AAA team.”
“I felt that if I worked hard and played well that I would get drafted.”
That’s exactly what happened.The Sea Dogs selected MacLean in the 11th round, 188th overall. It’s rare for an 11th rounder to crack the roster, but MacLean wasn’t your prototypical late round pick. He had been waiting for this opportunity for his entire life. MacLean’s journey to the QMJHL is another perfect example that it doesn’t matter when or where you are selected, all that matters is what happens after the draft.
“I’m very happy that I was selected by the Saint John Sea Dogs as they are a great organization.”
What did it mean to MacLean and his family to have this opportunity to live out his dreams with the Saint John Sea Dogs?
“I don’t know if I even have words to express how big of a deal this is to me and my family.”
“This is something I’ve dreamed and talked about since the age of five,” said a reflective MacLean.
“My family were season ticket holders to the PEI Rocket and we went to all the games. I loved talking with the players after the games, getting their autograph and picture taken with them.”
“Now I get to inspire little kids and make their day better by just saying hello, the same way Q players did for me when I was a kid.”
“I insisted on entering early French immersion in school so that I could speak French when I made it to the Q,” MacLean said proudly.
“So far, so good,” he added.
Through all the ups and downs, what did MacLean learn about himself as a person and player?
“I learned that I am resilient and that I can face adversity head on and push through it.”
“Anything is possible if you put your mind to it and want it bad enough and that’s exactly how I thought of my future when faced with my injury and the recovery time it needed. One of my earliest coaches Allan Andrews always told me “Hard work pays off”.
“That’s definitely true and it’s a quote I live by.”
MacLean isn’t taking anything for granted. He’s fixated on every moment and getting better each and every day. The future is what you make of it and MacLean’s realizes there is no guarantees.
“Honestly, I’m in this for the long journey. I want to see how far I can go and to push myself and not have any regrets.”
“My dream is to play in the NHL without a doubt, but right now I am trying to soak in every moment of my QMJHL experience.”
“I know there’s a lot of guys that would like to be where I am and I can’t lose focus, I can’t slow down.”
“Every day I can improve and get better, stronger and faster. I will never be perfect, but I’m just going to keep working everyday trying to reach the next bar.”
“I’m in grade 12 and university has always been part of the plan too. If hockey can pay for my education, that’s pretty great too,” said MacLean proudly.
The QMJHL is never short on storylines, Matthew MacLean’s story is just getting started, but the backstory is nothing short of inspirational.
FDS Sports Blog 