As part of a freshman class which touts solid defensemen and flashy scorers, it could have been easy for John McCarron to blend into the background. But Macomb, Michigan native McCarron did not blend into the background at all. On a line with then-senior Sean Collins and classmate Joel Lowry, John McCarron stood out. He scored six goals on the season and tallied 13 assists for a total of 19 points and a +1 rating. Scoring when needed is one of McCarron's trademarks this season. His first goal was scored against Colorado College last January in Cornell's win.
John McCarron rocking his flow.
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McCarron celebrating after his first collegiate goal against Colorado College.
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His first year was nothing less than explosive from then on. The other five goals were scored when the Big Red needed them most including regular season ending tying goal against Union. Other regular-season games that McCarron scored a goal in include the final regular-season game against RPI as well as the game-winning goal against Yale. In the playoffs there were two incredibly memorable goals scored by McCarron. The first game in Atlantic City against a Colgate team looking for its third win against the Big Red on the season. The Macomb, Michigan native was critical in ensuring that the Raiders did not sweep Cornell in the 2012-13 season. McCarron forced a turnover in the Raider's defensive zone which he took unassisted for a beautiful goal that looked like it was happening in slow motion.
The next goal, his last on the year, was just as memorable. A Michigan native, McCarron scored a goal on the University of Michigan on the power play, opening up the scoring on the team. It was poetic that McCarron was one of the scorers that night. It was especially memorable after McCarron's statements during the pre-tournament NCAA Midwest Regional press conference in which McCarron said that he had favored the Spartans of Michigan State over the Wolverines in the intrastate rivalry between the two universities. No offense to either Tom Anastos or Red Berenson (both of whom WAFT respects), we believe that McCarron chose the superior hockey program with the best fans in college hockey. We are more than happy to call him a member of the Cornell hockey family.
So while his goal list might not be as long as some of his teammates, they all happened when needed. His assists occurred with even more frequency, having just over twice as many assists as goals for the season, proving to be a true team player.
The next goal, his last on the year, was just as memorable. A Michigan native, McCarron scored a goal on the University of Michigan on the power play, opening up the scoring on the team. It was poetic that McCarron was one of the scorers that night. It was especially memorable after McCarron's statements during the pre-tournament NCAA Midwest Regional press conference in which McCarron said that he had favored the Spartans of Michigan State over the Wolverines in the intrastate rivalry between the two universities. No offense to either Tom Anastos or Red Berenson (both of whom WAFT respects), we believe that McCarron chose the superior hockey program with the best fans in college hockey. We are more than happy to call him a member of the Cornell hockey family.
So while his goal list might not be as long as some of his teammates, they all happened when needed. His assists occurred with even more frequency, having just over twice as many assists as goals for the season, proving to be a true team player.
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McCarron readies himself as the puck is dropped against Ferris State in the 2012 NCAA Midwest Regional Final.
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Before McCarron made it to Cornell, he was already making a name for himself in the hockey world. He played for the USHL's Lincoln Stars for parts of three seasons. He appeared in 137 games, tallying 85 points with 33 of them being goals. In addition, he served as the Stars's team captain for the 2010-11 season. He entered the USHL as a 16-year old, taking advantage of the opportunity to work with the team after being drafted in the Futures Draft. To top that off, the July before heading up to East Hill, McCarron was invited to the Buffalo Sabres prospect camp.
McCarron went into his freshman season with an enthusiasm and passion for the Big Red. When asked why he chose Cornell, John McCarron responded, "I always wanted to come somewhere with good academics and obviously Cornell being Ivy League I knew I would be challenged. Also, with the hockey team gives me the best of both worlds, good hockey and a good school. I couldn't ask for anything better, so that's why I chose Cornell." This enthusiasm not only for Cornell hockey but Cornell academics is something for which McCarron should be lauded. It is not like some players at other institutions who regularly leave after two or three seasons, or fail to show up entirely. His dedication to academics and athletics is refreshing and makes him even more of a Big Red player to watch in the coming years.
As if scoring a goal against Michigan in the NCAA Tournament on one of the biggest stages in college hockey were not enough, John McCarron was drafted in June to the Edmonton Oilers. It was more than exciting as a fan to hear McCarron's name called and his accomplishments in his first year in college. McCarron is one of eight Cornellians who are draft picks to NHL teams.
More importantly, John McCarron is one of the forwards that we at WAFT know will have the usual increase in scoring between his freshman and sophomore years. And we know that he will be one to watch for years to come. 14 days!
McCarron went into his freshman season with an enthusiasm and passion for the Big Red. When asked why he chose Cornell, John McCarron responded, "I always wanted to come somewhere with good academics and obviously Cornell being Ivy League I knew I would be challenged. Also, with the hockey team gives me the best of both worlds, good hockey and a good school. I couldn't ask for anything better, so that's why I chose Cornell." This enthusiasm not only for Cornell hockey but Cornell academics is something for which McCarron should be lauded. It is not like some players at other institutions who regularly leave after two or three seasons, or fail to show up entirely. His dedication to academics and athletics is refreshing and makes him even more of a Big Red player to watch in the coming years.
As if scoring a goal against Michigan in the NCAA Tournament on one of the biggest stages in college hockey were not enough, John McCarron was drafted in June to the Edmonton Oilers. It was more than exciting as a fan to hear McCarron's name called and his accomplishments in his first year in college. McCarron is one of eight Cornellians who are draft picks to NHL teams.
More importantly, John McCarron is one of the forwards that we at WAFT know will have the usual increase in scoring between his freshman and sophomore years. And we know that he will be one to watch for years to come. 14 days!
McCarron in orange at the Oiler's development camp in July of 2012 wearing 65.
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McCarron celebrating with his teammates after scoring the opening goal against Michigan in the 2012 NCAA Midwest Regional Semifinal with a shot that was described aptly as "a rocket."
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