The ultimate goal for any aspiring hockey player is simple: make it to the NHL.

From a young age, players work tirelessly to train and practice with the hopes of one day donning an NHL jersey in an NHL game.  And when a player finally turns professional, most are solely focused on their performance on the ice.  While this is a vital component to being a professional hockey player, Laval Rocket goaltender Michael McNiven strives to take care of himself both on and off the ice, including looking out for the well-being of his teammates.  At the beginning of the season, McNiven volunteered to become the Rocket’s Player Representative for the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA), and has embraced this significant role while striving to advance to the ultimate level of the sport.

McNiven was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, but moved to Georgetown, Ontario when he was barely a year old.  He grew into a skilled goaltender while playing minor hockey in the Greater Toronto Area and was drafted by the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) 66^th overall in 2013.  McNiven spent his entire OHL career in Owen Sound, where he thoroughly enjoyed the community, fans, and organization.

“Owen Sound was a great city with honestly so much to do,” said McNiven.  “The fans were always great; they always seemed to pack the arena and supported us no matter what. It was almost like playing for a mini NHL team, which was really cool to be around. In terms of the team itself, the entire staff and management were always good to us, which is all you can really ask for.”

McNiven was a standout while playing for the Attack, being named OHL Goaltender of the Year following the 2016-17 season, posting a 41-9-4 record over 54 games and receiving an invite to Team Canada’s World Junior camp. 

“My last season in Owen Sound was probably the most memorable. Right around Christmas we were a .500 team and not expected to make the playoffs. Once we came back from the break, we went on an incredible run and ended up going all the way to the Conference Finals against the Erie Otters.  Just being part of that experience was definitely one to remember.”

After building a solid OHL resume including 77 wins, a 2.64 GAA and a .909 SV%, his next goal was to hear his named called at the NHL Entry Draft. Unfortunately, the draft came and went without being selected.  However, bitter disappointment was soon replaced by overwhelming excitement when the Montreal Canadiens approached McNiven days later with an invitation to attend Training Camp.  After eagerly jumping at the opportunity, his strong play impressed the Canadiens brass and McNiven was rewarded with his first professional contract.

Although raised just outside of Toronto, it may seem strange for McNiven to be eager to put on the rival Canadiens jersey, however he was more a fan of his idols than a specific team.

“I was a fan of the Maple Leafs when Ed Belfour was their goalie.  Then I switched to the Ottawa Senators when Ray Emery became their goalie.  His energy each time he played was so exciting to watch and learn from.  Obviously, most recently, I follow Carey Price a lot, so being able to be a part of the Montreal organization is surreal.”

McNiven transitioned from junior to pro in 2017, spending the majority of the 2017-18 season with Montreal’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Laval Rocket.  However, he soon experienced the travel requirements that come with developing in the minor leagues.

In 2019-20 alone, McNiven played for 4 different teams; 3 in the ECHL (Adirondack, Jacksonville, Norfolk) as well as parts of the year back in Laval.  Although this was a big adjustment, he describes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and how he developed this mentality.

“I was fortunate enough to have a really good season that year, so I felt that the teams I played for wanted me and trusted me. I knew my objectives and what I was capable of.  Part of the job is all about having the right mindset. I knew the harder I worked, the better chance I had to find more stability in my career. While every organization is different, you have to learn how to adapt.”

After spending all of the condensed 2020-21 AHL season in Laval, McNiven now begins his fifth professional season in a more prominant role with the Rocket.  He also finds himself surrounded by a very talented goaltending pool including Cayden Primeau and Sam Montembeault.  While this much talent between the pipes could pose a threat for McNiven, he decidedly takes a different perspective, embracing the competition and relationships he has built with them since his arrival.

“I have been very fortunate to have these other goalies within the organization that I get along with very well. It has allowed us to push each other daily and grow our friendship which helps each other succeed at the highest level. Right now, Cayden and I have a great system going in Laval that is truly beneficial for us both.”

One of the biggest advantages to being a part of such a prestigious and talented goaltending group within the Canadiens organization is the unique opportunity to be surrounded by veteran goaltenders Carey Price and Jake Allen. McNiven has already learned so much from both men, soaking it in every chance he gets.

“Being around Carey, one of the best goaltenders in the NHL, is something many other goalies never get the opportunity to experience, so I try to take something away from him each day. Carey is quiet and humble, yet funny at the same time. On the ice, just getting to watch him and his work ethic is so beneficial.  Even just talking on the ice about equipment or family, he is always an open-book.”

His first opportunity to learn from Price came when he was recalled by Montreal early in his professional career.  While McNiven did not see any regular-season gameplay while in the NHL, being in the locker room with his teammates, surrounded by the facilities and staff, was as rewarding as it gets. That first call-up is something he will never forget.

“It was around New Year’s during my first road trip to Florida and Dallas. I had the opportunity to be around the other players both at the rink and away from the arena.  Just being out for New Year’s Eve with the team and seeing their daily routine, it reminded me of why I was working as hard as I was.”

“When I first heard I was being called up I immediately called my Grandmother. The one person who I wanted to be there would have been my Grandfather, but unfortunately he wasn’t around to see it.  Nevertheless, getting to share the news with my Grandmother was something I will never forget.”

Now that McNiven has been around the professional level, he was interested in becoming more involved in the sport off the ice. At the start of the 2021-22 season, the Rocket were in need of a PHPA Player Representative.  McNiven was selected by his teammates to serve in the role, and he has since done an impressive job. 

“It is always encouraging to see younger players step up into such an important role and work diligently on behalf of their teammates,” said PHPA Executive Director, and former Montreal Canadiens forward, Larry Landon.  “Michael has already stood out as someone who is reliable, responsive, respected by his peers, and very well-liked by our staff.  I certainly look forward to working with him throughout the season.”

The PHPA is the union which represents all players within the AHL and ECHL.  Each team elects one player to serve as their PHPA Player Representative, who acts as a conduit between the team and the PHPA.  They help educate teammates on various matters of importance and player programs, while participating on periodic Player Rep Zoom meetings to provide input that helps guide the Association.  While some players choose not to get involved, this is an interesting area of the sport business that has been a tremendous learning experience for McNiven, providing a unique look into the sport.

“Some of the work can be hard and some is easy, but this was an opportunity that I was eager to take on. I have been on teams where I believe more could have been done in terms of getting a constant line of communication with players. I saw this as chance to be that communication outlet for my teammates, ensuring that we were taken care of while working with the PHPA and the League. Having this role is so crucial and beneficial for our lives, both on and off the ice.”

Whereas this is McNiven’s first year serving as a PHPA Player Representative, he has already proven to be a reliable and valuable addition to this strong group of leaders. The key to being effective in this position, according to McNiven, is staying active and keeping constant communication with the PHPA, the league, and most importantly, his teammates.

“I don’t like having a middle-man within lines of communication, I would rather take all of the questions and be that support system for my teammates so I can show initiative and get the answers in a quick and simple manner. If it comes to a situation where it is all hearsay, it can get messy.”

While veteran players often serve in the PHPA Player Representative role using their years of experience to provide insight for the younger players, at only 24 years old McNiven believes he can be an influence for his teammates, no matter the age.

“It takes a person with a certain personality to be successful in the role. You need to approach it with an open mind, as our situation seems to be changing constantly. I enjoy and thrive on being confident in my communication and am eager to approach and fix the issues we see arise as quickly as possible. While I am a younger Player Rep, if another teammate or friend approached me asking about the position I would definitely recommend it, as long as I believe that they would be a good fit.”

McNiven is a talented young goaltender and considered a prospect within the Canadiens organization, with a very clear goal of making it back to the NHL. 

“The main goal is making the NHL. Speaking from experience, it is obviously not an easy road nor a straight path, and the journey will not get any easier. I need to just keep working each day and get better whenever I can. There’s only a certain number of spots and they are not simply given, they are earned. At the same time, I still want to be a mentor to my teammates, a good Player Rep, and a good person to everyone around me.”

McNiven has proven that even at such a young age, focusing on the well-being of his teammates has been a vital component to his personal success.  While constantly developing on and off the ice, he has strong aspirations to one day serve in a similar Player Representative role, but with the NHLPA.