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University of Massachusets Athletics
VIDEO: Meet UMass Hockey's #27 Riley McDougall
September 13, 2014 | Hockey
We're just 27 days away from UMass hockey's 2014-15 season opener. Meet the Minutemen's new #27, forward Riley McDougall.
Q: What number are you going to be wearing at UMass and why did you choose that number?
A: "I'm wearing number 27. It wasn't my first choice; my first choice would have been #9, but I thought it was a pretty cool number."
Q: What made you choose UMass?
A: "I chose UMass because it was a big school and Hockey East is exceptional. It was an easy choice for me."
Q: What in particular did you like about the coaching staff?
A: "I talked to Joey Gasparini mostly throughout the summer and he was very friendly and welcoming. Since I've been here everyone has been very welcoming."
Q: Tell us about where you are from.
A: "I'm from Calgary Alberta. Calgary hockey is pretty big. It's a city of about 1.2 million people. "
Q: What is it like to play with such a large group that shares your hometown?
A: "It's good. Obviously they scout a lot of Calgary guys. I know a couple of the guys; I've played against them and they're all great hockey players."
Q: Take us through your hockey background, some of the places you played.
A: "I started playing in Calgary for the Calgary Buffaloes through midget. I played for the Okotoks Oilers out of the Alberta Junior Hockey League and I got traded around a bit. I played my last season with the Calgary Mustangs and had good success there and now I'm here."
Q: Describe yourself as a hockey player:
A: "I'm an energy guy. I'm the kind of guy that will go out there and make a big hit, try to get the guys going. I can also produce offensively and I'm a pretty good skater as well."
Q: If you were going to pick an NHL player that you model your game after, who would that be?
A: "Not really. Maybe Brendan Gallagher off the Montreal Canadians. He's a hardworking guy. All of his success comes from hard work and I think I'm similar in that way. "
Q: Outside of hockey, what would you say is your greatest talent?
A: "I enjoy golfing. I golf a lot in the summer. It's just a hobby of mine that I really enjoy. "
What is your first hockey memory?
A: "My first hockey memory would have to be back in Timbits. I remember scoring my first goal ever, it was in Edmonton. "
When did you know hockey was it for you, that you loved the game?
A: "I grew up playing soccer and hockey very competitively until I was about 14, then I had to make a decision between the two. I chose hockey. I'm really glad I did. I've had ups and downs in my junior career, but it's been a great decision."
Q: Do you know what you plan on majoring in and what you want to do with that?
A: "I'm majoring in biology. I'm in Pre-Med. I want to be a dentist when I'm older; my dad is so I'm just following in his footsteps."