Kirsty Budd, Guelph Storm Staff

GuelphStorm.com had a chance to interview the alumni that attended the Storm’s alumni weekend on June  11 and 12. Thirty-six former players, including 10 who do or did skate in the NHL at one point, took part in the game. Several other alumni also watched the game from behind the bench. The weekend also included a BBQ and alumni-only banquet.  The proceeds from the game went to several local charities, including the Guelph Wish Fund for Children.

Mike McLean credits Guelph Storm coach Dave Barr for helping him to develop as a hockey player. “He gave me the knowledge I needed to continue my hockey career. He taught me how to play and be a professional.”

McLean was acquired by the Storm in 2004 and in the 2007 OHL Coaches Poll, Mike placed second in both the Most Underrated Player and the Best Penalty Killer categories. He spent four seasons with the Storm. His favourite memory is being a part of the OHL Championship his rookie year. “I didn’t get a lot of playing time, but it was still awesome,” he said.

While McLean hasn’t been away from Guelph for too long, he was still excited to come back and see some of his former teammates as well as his billet family. “I was lucky to have such a great billet family in Guelph. I felt like part of the family, one of the kids.”

Currently McLean is spending his summer back home in Oshawa playing golf and thinking about playing hockey overseas or out east next season.

Guelph still stands out to McLean as one of the best organizations he’s played for. “I grew up here and it was the best. The Guelph Storm is a classy organization and I learned so much playing here under Dave.”

When asked what advice he would give to younger players McLean hesitated for a moment. “It’s tough out there if you’re not producing the way you want to. But don’t give up. Work hard and stick with it.”