Five Pre-Season Questions with Allan McShane

Allan McShane enters year three of his OHL career with added confidence after being chosen by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2018 NHL Draft.

Last season the former first round pick by the Erie Otters in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection scored 20 goals and 45 assists for 65 points in 67 games during his first full season with the Oshawa Generals.

McShane took time during Generals Training Camp to answer some questions and share his outlook on the season ahead.

What did you learn at Habs development camp that you’ve brought back to Oshawa?

“I think just how to act around the rink on and off the ice. It’s obviously a professional atmosphere there so it’s a great opportunity for me to bring back all the things I can take from the veterans there at camp. It’s a big year for us here so anything I can bring back to help the team win.”

Have you changed as a player entering your third season in the OHL?

“I wouldn’t say so, I think it’s important to build on my past two seasons. I think I’ve found a lot of success with the way I’ve been playing so with the summer I’ve just had I can build off that. I got bigger and stronger, I think I’m faster, and ultimately I want to have a bigger role on the team this year and to keep that in mind and be more of a two-way player and just help the team out that way.”

What kind of hockey can we expect from a Greg Walters coached team?

“I’d say hard working, lots of puck time, I think he wants to make sure that we’re always moving the puck quick and having it on our tape. I think it’s exciting, it’s offensive, on D and the rush, and I think the boys are really excited to have him in here and will do anything to work for him. He has a good mentality with what he’s bringing and being a player’s coach so we’re looking forward to what he brings to the table and we’re excited to see what we can do.”

How much have the expectations changed for this veteran team this season?

“I think ultimately we want to win and have a long push in the playoffs. The goal here is to obviously win a championship and hopefully carry that into the next year. We have a core that’s growing up together and we’ll be at our peak this year and the next year and I think as far as we can go in the playoffs this year, hopefully winning it all, and we’ll see how it goes from there. I think we’ve got the tools to get there and if we play the right way I think we’ll have success.”

What needs to happen to have the Generals playing hockey in May?

“Just be on the same page as our coach. Building chemistry in the room all comes from going to every game and having confidence in each other to win and doing what it takes. I think we have what it takes in the room to be able to do that this year. I know I’m excited personally for what’s going to happen throughout the year. One step at a time, different milestones throughout the year like get tot Christmas and hopefully have a good record and just build on that momentum.”

This month ontariohockeyleague.com will feature one team each day in advance of the 2018-19 season which begins Wednesday September 19th.  See more from the OHL 20 in 20 series.