Macomb native Michael McCarron selected by Montreal in the first round of the 2013 Draft

By Mark Burns –

NEWARK, N.J. – Besides Portland Winterhawks defenseman Seth Jones slipping to the Nashville Predators at No. 4 during the 2013 NHL Draft, Macomb native Michael McCarron’s draft selection might have been the second shocker on Sunday.

With the No. 25 pick in the first round, the Montreal Canadiens selected the right winger from the U.S. National Team Development Program based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. McCarron had been rated as the No. 35 North American skater by NHL Central Scouting in their final projections.

“Ever since I was six years old, I’ve strapped them up — tons of hours in the rink, shooting, skating, workouts; it’s all been worth it, though,” McCarron said to a swarm of media members inside the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. “This feeling is amazing.”

“It’s so special putting on an Original Six jersey,” he added. “It gives me chills. I can’t even describe it really.”

McCarron, also a product of the Honeybaked youth hockey program, recorded 16 goals and 21 assists in 59 games this year with the NTDP, and led the team in penalty minutes with 182.

Yet, before McCarron begins play this upcoming season, he will have to choose between either attending Western Michigan University or playing for the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League. His older brother, John, plays for Cornell University.

It is a decision that McCarron will take the next week or so to consider before deciding on a final destination for the fall.

“I’m still waiting to make the decision here,” McCarron said. “I’m going to talk to the organization and see what they think is best for me, and then finally make the decision with my family.”

After being drafted, McCarron weighed the pros and cons of taking the college route versus playing major junior with the Knights, who acquired his rights on June 27, 2012.

The 6-foot-5 McCarron acknowledged that he needs to grow into his bigger frame; he also noted the importance in obtaining a college education, something that his family places a huge emphasis on. At the same time, he understands that the style of play in the OHL is more similar to the NHL and there’s a 68-game schedule compared to a college schedule that tops out at roughly 40 games if you make the NCAA championship game.

Regardless of where he plays in 2013-14, McCarron has his eyes set on eventually making a lasting impact with the Canadiens.

“I feel that I can play on the fourth line or play on the first line and be successful,” McCarron said. “I think that I can crash and bang or be on the first line and create opportunities to score every shift.”