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.
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!