10 SECONDS

with Ian McGilvrey

By Justin Siewierski; Editor-in-Chief

On February 23, 2017

Pin It

10 SECONDS

with Ian McGilvrey

Justin Siewierski

Editor-In-Chief

js2010@plymouth.edu

Another year, another top seed for the Plymouth State men’s hockey team.
This year’s season will mark the second time in four years where the Panthers have clinched the top spot in the MASCAC. The last time they finished atop the conference, they tallied six goals in the championship, and made a trip to the NCAA tournament. For as outstanding as the Panthers have played, there is always room for improvement. Ian McGilvrey just might be the spark the Panthers need to get through the MASCAC and into national competition.

McGilvrey stands at 5’7,” over half a foot shorter than fellow line mate Teddy McCarran (Derry, N.H.). Although it seems like McGilvrey is at a clear disadvantage, his speed makes up for any size mismatch he could face. He’s known for his quick hands, insane dangles, and crowd appeasing finishes. With a goal and an assist on senior night, McGilvrey sits just 11 points away from 100 career points in a Panther uniform.

The Omaha, Nebraska native is one of the most underrated skaters in the MASCAC. In a win or go home scenario, McGilvrey has scored three goals in six career MASCAC playoff games. As the Panthers take the ice this Tuesday inside Hanaway, don’t be surprised with the tricks McGilvrey pulls out of his sleeve.

You guys have clinched the #1 seed once again. This conference is just as open as it has been for the past couple of seasons, but how good does it feel knowing the conference has to go through Hanaway?

It feels great to be able to clinch the conference and play at home; it’s always an important goal for us to achieve each year.

What's been your best moment at PSU to this point?

The greatest moment was easily winning the conference championship my sophomore year, but playing in the NCAA Tournament was certainly up there as well.

Your team has been stung with the injury bug once again, but you've been able to adapt. What has this season said about your team's depth?

Hockey is a tough sport, and injuries are unfortunately a part of the game. I think it shows a lot about our depth, and about our character as a unit. I think we’ve been faced with some adversity this year, but always have managed to come out on top.

What was your "welcome to hockey" moment?

It would have to be my first year of junior hockey, my first game I was so excited to get out there and prove myself. I went out for my very first shift, skated as fast as I could and bundled this guy, got a penalty. So I am sitting in the box, hoping that my coach isn’t too mad at me. I served my time, got back on the bench, shortly after I heard my name called for my next shift, this time I was thinking, okay, go out there and just try and play some offense. So I went out, tried to steal the puck away from a kid in the corner and caught him with my stick in the face...another penalty. I had been on the ice for a total of 15 seconds and already had two penalties. My nerves calmed down eventually, but that was my welcome to hockey moment. Certainly was not a good start to my junior career, but a good story nonetheless.

How long have you been playing hockey?

I’ve been playing hockey for 18 years now.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Good question...

What can you take away from being a collegiate athlete?

I can take away a lot of things from being a college athlete, including some pretty good memories. The most important thing I learned was how to work as a team, and it also gave me a pretty good work ethic.

Why did you choose Plymouth State?

I chose Plymouth State mainly because of the storied tradition the hockey program carried. Also, all the boys seemed like sick beauties, and it could provide me with the education that I wanted. Not to mention the views here are amazing as well.

Who has been your biggest influence?

Everyone throughout my life has had a big influence on me, but my biggest influence would have to be my old man.

What went through your mind as you hit the ice on senior night? You know, it was pretty bitter sweet. I just tried to cherish the moment. I was really happy I could share the moment with all the boys, along with their families, and also my dad. It was a special night for sure.