February 12, 2010

Five Burning Questions with Mike McKenna

The following article featuring former St. Lawrence standout Mike McKenna appeared on the Lowell Devils Web site.

 

Mike McKenna is in his fifth pro season and first as a member of the New Jersey Devils organization. McKenna made his NHL debut last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning and was a two-time ECHL All-Star with the Las Vegas Wranglers.

What was your "I'm in the NHL" moment?
The first game that I played I got thrown in midway through. It happened so quickly, I didn't really have time to think about it. It just happened.  So when I got on the ice I think the first save is when it hit me.  Then, coming off the ice, looking at the jersey.  That's really when it hit me.

Who has had the defining role. in your development as a hockey player growing up?
It'd be hard to pick one person. My grandfather and father really because we were from St. Louis.  They didn't push me, but because they played, that is what aided me in playing.  And then later in life, I think as far developing as a goaltender, Mitch Korn, the goal tender coach at the Nashville Predators. [He] really steered me in the right direction even though I never signed with them, I think he was really important to me, but there have been a lot of people along the way.

If you weren't playing hockey, what would you be doing for a living?
I wish I could do something within hockey afterwards, to stay active as a goal tending instructor or something.  But realistically, I've got a degree in economics and I'd probably follow that and be a financial planner and take it to the promised land.  But I do really enjoy teaching goaltenders and I have my own goalie school in the summer, so I might pursue that afterwards.

Complete article can be accessed via the Lowell Web site by clicking here.