As early as Samuel McVay can remember, he has always loved hockey. Whether playing underage for his Scottish Junior Hockey League team, or watching his idols in the Elite Ice Hockey League, Sam has always been fascinated with the sport.

"It just always seemed like the most complete sport in the world to me." he told me, reminiscing about his earlier days. "It has this beauty and elegance to it, yet the toughness is on another level too. And it's fast. Just the pace of play, especially in the higher level hockey you play, it's unlike anything else."

This enamoration with speed is what ultimately swayed Samuel McVay to the SHL. The desire for greater challenges against the best in the world drove him to work towards the SMJHL, and ultimately the greatest hockey league in the world.

“I think I can not only survive in these hockey leagues, but thrive.” Sam tells me. “I think with my positional play and passing, I can create a niche for myself that few others have managed to fill. While I may have a weaker shot, if I can get some players on my line who are in a ‘shoot first’ mentality I think we be a threat in every zone on the ice ”

Being drafted by the reigning champions is an exciting prospect, and when the talk turned to that, Sam was visibly excited.

“Oh yeah, it’s really exciting.” Samuel grins “I didn’t really talk to them before the draft, but they obviously saw something in me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. Now I have to prove myself, and show them that I’m worth the draft pick. I’m ready to get started.”

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