1 on 1 - Brett MacLean

Always Hockey went 1 on 1 with Brett MacLean

Brett is currently a Assistant Coach for Waterloo University. MacLean is a former NHL Player for the Arizona Coyotes. Brett suffered a cardiac arrest and can no longer play in the NHL.

Below the Questions asked and the Answers provided.

How has the transaction been from player to coach?

"The transition from player to coach has been good. I have really enjoyed the coaching side of the game and have been very lucky to learn under a guy with so much knowledge and experience behind the bench in Brian Bourque. I still have my moments where I wish I could get out on the ice and help my team but at the end of the day it has been a very positive experience."

Why did you choose the Recreation/Sports Business program at Waterloo U?

"A big part of my decision to go to UW had to do with being closer to my family and being in the same city as my brother. I have been away from home since 15 years old playing hockey so to finally be closer to my parents and be able to see my brother all the time were big motivators. I also found the Recreation/Sports Business program to be of interest and something I could use in the future to stay in the sporting world."

What's life been like being a student and a hockey coach?

"It is definitely different from being a hockey player. During the season I find that I am either at the rink or at school for the majority of the day. Sometimes it has been difficult to manage all the different tasks but that is just a part of the experience."

When the injury happened did you receive alot of support from around the hockey community? Any specific individuals help you through that tough time?

"I did receive a lot of support from the hockey community. I found that a lot of people reached out to me and supported me which had a positive impact on my recovery. Andy Miele, Eric Regan and Jordan Szwarz were three of my closer friends during my career who all helped me out and I have stayed close with."

What's it been like to be a spokesperson for the Heart & Stroke foundation?

"It has been a great experience to be a spokesperson for the Heart & Stroke foundation. To see the difference that they have made over time, reducing the fatality rates of heart disease and the new technology that is out to help save more lives is great to be apart of. It has been great on a personal side as well to be able to turn such a negative event in my life into something a little more positive."

Since the injury have you had any problems with being active or playing any recreational sports?

"I have been very lucky, I have been able to be as active as I want to be with no issues so far. I avoid contact sports which obviously impacted my ability to be a professional athlete but I can and still play pick up hockey with my buddies."

What is your favourite memory of your OHL career?

"It is so hard to pick one, I had so many great experiences and memories that I am so thankful I got to have. I would say my entire time in Oshawa was great and something I will never forget. I have great memories of the city, the fans and being there to open up the new arena."

Being a ex-gens forward, what do you think of their great run this season?

"Its great. They deserve this is Oshawa and they have such a strong team, I was there for game 5 of the finals and got to see them close it out. The place was so loud, they really do have the best fans in the league."

You scored 288 points in 245 games playing in four seasons in the OHL. During that time who was your favourite line-mate you played with?

"I played with a lot of great players but I would have to go with John Tavares. We had 2 great years together and a lot of great moments. Definitely was a special time for me. Eric Regan was my closest buddy we got traded together from Erie to Oshawa so we spent the full 4 years together."

During your time in Oshawa you played with John Tavares. Do you still talk to him?

"I did see him at his jersey retirement in Oshawa this year which was nice."

Way back to 2007 when you were selected by the Phoenix Coyotes 32nd overall. What was the whole NHL Draft experience like?

"It was exciting and nerve racking. Knowing I could go anywhere in the late 1st to early 2nd round made for a couple long nights before the draft but the draft was one of the best moments in my life."

What were you feeling when you heard your name called?

"To have all your hard work finally come together and to reach a lifelong dream was an incredible feeling."

Prior to being selected, did you have a interview with the Phoenix? Did you know they were going to pick you?

"I did interview with Phoenix at the NHL combine but had no idea they would pick me. Unless you are going 1st or 2nd overall I don’t think you really have any idea."

What was it like being scoring your first NHL Goal?

"To score my first goal in my first game was like a dream."

What's your favourite memory from playing in Arizona?

"After the trade deadline getting called back up for the rest of the season. Just to be apart of the NHL on a daily basis for a permanent period of time was such a cool experience to look back on. I loved the city, the rink, the guys it was just a great experience each day."

Back in 2010, Arizona placed you on waivers. What was that experience like? How did you find out you were placed on waivers? Teams are giving a 24 hour period to claim the services of a player off waivers. What was that period like for you? Did you know Winnipeg was going to pick you up?

"It was a crazy experience for sure. I was told I was getting sent down but would have to clear waivers first so I headed out to Portland and after practice got called into the coaches office and was told I was heading to Winnipeg. So I packed up and flew off to Winnipeg."

What's your favourite memory from playing in Arizona?

"After the trade deadline getting called back up for the rest of the season. Just to be apart of the NHL on a daily basis for a permanent period of time was such a cool experience to look back on. I loved the city, the rink, the guys it was just a great experience each day."

You played 5 games in Winnipeg before being claimed by Phoenix. Between the two cities, where did you enjoy playing more? Difference between crowds?

"I enjoyed my time in Winnipeg, that was such a great experience being there for the first game and all the excitement around the team but I never felt as comfortable as I did in Phoenix. I was with the Phoenix organization for 5 years so it felt more like home. The crowds were great in both cities, the loyal fans love their team in both cities. Phoenix gets a bad rep but you won’t find too many places with a better atmosphere come playoff time then they had there."

What was it like playing with Shane Doan? Did you learn anything from him?

"Playing with Shane Doan was an amazing experience. He is probably the nicest man I have ever met and he did such a great job making sure you felt like a part of the team whether you had been there 10 years or 10 days. The Coyotes are lucky to have him as their leader. I think from him you just learn to love the game, every day he came in, worked hard and had fun."

Fun Questions

Favourite NHL Team (Growing up)?

Montreal Canadiens

NHL player you idealized (Growing up)?

Mario Lemieux/ Doug Gilmore

Any team you cheer for now?

Detroit Red Wings

Dream coaching job?

Detroit Red Wings

Favourite jersey #?

#79 why? No idea why just always thought it looked cool

What was your go-to pre game meal?

Olive Garden’s Seafood Alfredo

Most embarrassing song on your IPOD?

Taylor Swift, but is that really that embarrassing anymore? Her new stuff is good

Favourite Person to Follow on Twitter?

odognine2 40/30 grit grinder

Thank you Brett MacLean for doing a interview with alwayshockey.com

Check out his Links Below

#1on1MacLean #1on1 #RetiredNHLPlayer #Interviews