BY Jonathan Huntington
SASKATOON – Boy, what a difference a year makes. Last year, Roger McQueen only played 20 games in the WHL while dealing with a serious back injury. Fast forward to this fall, McQueen is healthy and notching almost a point per game in his rookie season in the NCAA. And, on top of it all, he just finished four classes in the fall semester at Providence College in Rhode Island.
“(My back) has been really good,” said the former Saskatoon Blazer. “I feel like I could play another 30 or 40 games this season.”
That’s the best news McQueen – and the Anaheim Ducks – could have hoped for. The Ducks used their first-round (10th overall) pick in the NHL draft in June to take McQueen. The Saskatoon native then decided to leave the WHL (Brandon) for the NCAA (Providence). After playing 16 games (13 points) this fall, McQueen took a few moments to assess the start to his freshman season before writing his fourth final exam of the fall semester on Tuesday night.
Explain the biggest difference between the NCAA and the WHL?
“The pace is a huge difference; guys are also bigger and stronger. It feels like less space on the ice, but I feel like I’m adjusting now.”
What was your ‘Welcome to the NCAA’ moment?
“It had to be our home opener against Michigan. I hadn’t played a team like that before. We have 10 rookies and Michigan beat us 5-1.” (Michigan is rated #1 in the NCAA polls entering the Christmas break.)
Assess your play to start the year?
“The first six games were tougher. I would love to take those back. As of late, I am playing better. It has been good for my learning. The second half will be big for me.”
FINISH LINES: Providence will enter the second half of the season ranked 16th in the NCAA.
