Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann shared an embarrassing story this week that he originally believed almost ended his hockey career prematurely.
One of the bright spots for the Toronto Maple Leafs in recent years has been 28-year-old Bobby McMann, an undrafted player who has fought his way up from the ECHL and AHL to secure a spot in the NHL lineup following his NCAA career. As well all know, McMann has since established himself as an important piece of the Leafs' roster.
However, before McMann's journey even began, he feared his hockey dreams might be over before they had a chance to take off. After a visit to Colgate University, where he found his springboard to use to propel his hockey career forward, he was worried that his offer to play there would be rescinded.
In an article written by Dave McCarthy, McMann shared that he was worried his offer would be rescinded after experiencing nausea while riding in a car with the coaches at Colgate.
The night before, he had been invited by some players on the team to go out, and had ended up having a little too much to drink. During a drive the next morning with his coaches, feeling the effects of a nasty hangover. When he asked if they could pull over to deal with his condition, McMann recalled that he believed it was all going to end right then and there:
'I was terrified to get back in the car because I thought they were going to pull the offer that second & I didn't want to have to tell my dad.'
Luckily for McMann, it wasn't the case. He made the team and went on to play for Colgate University for four years.
Now, McMann is a key player for the Maple Leafs, currently having a career year with 17 goals and 11 assists for 28 points in 58 games this season, largely in a depth role.
McMann has also worked on improving his confidence, acknowledging that overthinking his play on the ice contributed to a slow start at the beginning of the season.
-1744646322-q80.webp "Trenaman leads the way as Australia A build advantage")