Former NHLer Brett MacLean Happy to be Alive
- AlwaysHockey Staff
- Apr 16, 2017
- 5 min read
Photo Credit - @NHLI via Getty Images
Brett MacLean was born December 24, 1988 in London, Ontario. He is a former professional hockey player who played for two NHL franchises, the Phoenix Coyotes and the Winnipeg Jets. Brett also played for two OHL teams before joining the NHL organizations. He was drafted by the Erie Ottters, 11th overall in 2014. After just one season in Erie, they traded him to the Oshawa Generals in a large trade. Erie moved MacLean, Eric Regan and two 2nd round picks to Oshawa for Adam Berti and Bret Nasby.
Brett’s career took off in Oshawa and he finished his OHL career by scoring 288 points in 245 games. He knows that those points were because of some help at centre position. “I played with a lot of great players but I would have to go with John Tavares (New York Islanders All-Star). 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.”
Brett MacLean was drafted 32nd overall by the Coyotes in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. “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.” MacLean said about the NHL Draft experience. Prior to the Draft, NHL teams interview prospects that they are interested in selecting. “I did interview with Phoenix at the NHL combine but had no idea they would pick me.” Brett answered to if he they hinted at selecting him.
In 2008, the Phoenix Coyotes signed him to a three year entry level deal. He would be assigned to the Coyotes AHL affiliate team the San Antonio Rampage. He played two seasons in the AHL before being called up on December 29. 2010. In his first NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings, MacLean scored his first NHL goal in his NHL Game on just his third of the game. He looks at it as “to score my first goal in my first game was like a dream.”
On October 5, 2011, Brett was placed on waivers by the Phoenix Coyotes. His career was left to a 24 hour window for a team to place a claim and own his playing rights. “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.” MacLean said about the waivers experience.
His stay in Winnipeg only lasted 5 games and MacLean was placed on waivers again on October 28, 2011. He was reclaimed by the Phoenix Coyotes. “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.” MacLean said about returning back to the Coyotes organization.
After returning to the Coyotes organization he was then assigned to the Coyotes AHL affiliate team, the Portland Pirates. He would play the full season in the AHL and never had the chance to play in the NHL again.
MacLean's Last Professional Hockey Goal
Photo Credit - Gordon Chibroski / Press Herald Photographer
On July 2, 2012 Brett MacLean’s hockey career came to a tragic end. MacLean was playing a fun game of pick up hockey with his friends in Owen Sound, Ontario. It was his first on ice practice of the summer. MacLean collapsed to the ice after making a pass. He suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and was moments away from death. The chance of survival is 5% to somebody in cardiac arrest. Luckily friends of MacLean were trained in CPR and defibrillator use, and they were able to revive him. The injury forced him to retire from hockey. The hockey world can be a big support system and Brett felt that.” 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.”
It’s been three years since the tragic day but Brett says his health is improving and he can still be active. “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.”
MacLean is now the assistant coach of the University of Waterloo’s hockey team. He is also a student at the University. He became the assistant coach in 2014 and he said the transition has been good from player to coach.
“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.”
Brett could of picked any school he wanted but he felt Waterloo was the best choice. “One big part of my decision to go to University of Waterloo 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.
Due to this life changing event MacLean is now actively campaigning for CPR awareness with the Heart and 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.” MacLean said about being active in campaigning for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
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