QA with Brandon McNally

Brandon McNally is currently ranked No.192 by Central Scouting, however he should move up considerably after his late season contributions helped lead a young Belmont Hill team to the playoffs. McNally led the team in scoring with 43 points (18 goals, 25 assists) in 31 games. This was a 16-point increase from his sophomore totals of a year ago. Brandon has very good vision, excellent playmaking ability, and high-end hockey sense. As he states below, one of his most underrated skills is his accurate shot. McNally plays a physical brand of hockey and is a reliable two-way player. After watching McNally for the past three years, his skating has come a long way and once he gets going he is fine, but he still needs to work on his acceleration out of the gate.

McKeen's correspondent Vincent Montalbano recently had the chance to interview McNally who talks about his game, his early playing days, decisions about his future, his off-season routines and the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.

McKeen's: How did you become interested in hockey? At what age did you start playing organized hockey? What youth hockey program did you play in?

McNally: I started skating when I was 2 years old. My dad would take me to the local rink to skate every morning and I guess I just fell in love. I started playing organized hockey when I was 5 for Saugus, the town I live in.

McKeen's: Describe the type of game you play. What are your strengths? Weaknesses? What type of player do you consider yourself?

McNally: I play with a lot of heart and emotion because I love the game so much and I love winning. The strengths of my game would be being able to see the ice, doing the little things, and just making plays. The weaknesses of my game would be skating, however it's getting better rather quickly, which is a positive. I would consider myself a playmaker because I like making that pretty pass to get my linemate a goal.

McKeen's: What would you say is the most underrated facet to your game?

McNally: The most underrated facet of my game would be my shooting ability because I feel like I have a pretty decent shot, however I pass rather often.

McKeen's: Which NHL player do you model your game after and why?

McNally: I model my game after Joe Thornton of the Sharks because he is a big strong player who makes things happen all over the ice. He is exciting to watch because he can score, but also knows where everyone is on the ice so he is able to make that pretty pass to set up a goal.

McKeen's: Who are the five most talented players you've played against and what specifically do you admire about their styles?

McNally: The five most talented players I have played against are:

Chris Kreider: Great skater.

Wayne Simpson: A big strong power forward who has an awesome release. Uses his size and always drives hard to the net with or without the puck.

Steven Whitney: Sees the whole ice and has speed.

Kevin Hayes: Very strong tough kid around the net.

Charlie Coyle: Fast strong power forward.

McKeen's: What made you decide to go to Belmont Hill out of all the prep schools in New England?

McNally: To be honest, I did not really know about prep schools and hockey. I was just a kid from Saugus looking for a better opportunity and Belmont Hill seemed like the perfect fit. Belmont Hill was the only prep school I knew of and was the only prep school that I applied to.

McKeen's: What colleges are you currently considering?

McNally: The colleges I am currently considering are Harvard, Brown, Holy Cross, Dartmouth, Cornell and Northeastern.

McKeen's: You are finishing up your junior year and since you are not scheduled to go to college until 2011, are you planning to return to Belmont Hill?

McNally: Yes, I am planning on returning to Belmont Hill for my senior year. I have been there since 7th grade and figure why not finish it out now. I am receiving a good education and hopefully can move on right to college after next year.

McKeen's: What were your expectations coming into this season?

McNally: Coming into this season I just wanted to play well and give my team a chance to win every game. Everyone expects their team to win it all, however it did not really work out for us, although we did have a pretty solid year, getting some much-needed help from the younger guys on our team. I felt like I had a pretty solid year and contributed a lot.

McKeen's: Describe your summer. Do you play a lot of hockey or relax and workout? What do you focus on during off-season training?

McNally: During the summer I play a lot of hockey, almost every day. It has truly become a passion for me so I don't mind playing 24/7 at all. During my off-season training, I focus on having fun with hockey and learning some new things that can help with my game so when winter rolls around I'll be ready. I also work so it is a busy summer for me, but enjoyable.

McKeen's: The NHL Entry Draft will be coming up for you this year. Are you thinking about it at all?

McNally: I'm not really thinking about it too much, I mean, of course I want to get drafted but I am more concerned about the college process right now and hopefully everything will work out.

McKeen's: Is there any NHL team that you follow closely?

McNally: I follow the Detroit Red Wings closely because I love watching Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk play.

McKeen's: Which areas do you consider you have to improve to succeed at the next level in college and further?

McNally: I think my skating needs to improve and I have to continue to get stronger and stronger, both that are doable, which is a plus.

McKeen's: In your opinion, what do you think your teammates would say about you?

McNally: I think my teammates would say that he is a quiet leader, he doesn't say much, but he is a solid player and helps the team in any way. He loves playing, loves the game, and loves winning.

McKeen's: What about your coach? How do you think he would describe you?

McNally: My coach would definitely say that I play with a lot of emotion and passion, although it shows sometimes. But, he can move the puck well, is smart with the puck, and just knows how to play the game the way it should be played.

McKeen's: Where do you see yourself in five years?

McNally: Hopefully at a division 1 college playing hockey, being the leader of the team, and winning a championship. Earning the respect from my teammates and coaches and just playing the game I love.

McKeen's four Fun Questions:

1. What has been your best hockey moment so far? (Goal, hit, etc.)

McNally: Scoring a goal in my first game ever in a Belmont Hill uniform as a freshman.

2. Favorite actor/actress?

McNally: My favorite actor is Adam Sandler.

3. If you had your own theme song, what would it be?

McNally: Eurodancer by DJ Mangoo.

4. Best arena you played in?

McNally: The best "arena" I played at would be playing at Fenway Park.