As one of eight freshmen to join Penn State men’s hockey, center Chase McLane is ready to hit the ice.

McLane put up 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) in 18 games played last season with the USHL’s Tri-City Storm but missed time due to an injury. The Trenton, Michigan native spoke with Onward State about how he got into hockey and what it felt like being drafted by the Nashville Predators.

Onward State: What NHL team did you root for growing up?

Chase McLane: The Detroit Red Wings, just because I grew up in Michigan and they were always good when I was younger. Hard to be a Red Wings fan right now, but you just got to stick with them.

OS: Is the Red Wings jersey your favorite NHL jersey, or are there others that you like more?

CM: I think so. I like Colorado’s (Avalanche)  jerseys too. 

OS: When did you start playing hockey?

CM: My mom put me on skates at 18 months, and then I started playing organized hockey when I was three. My mom played hockey as well. 

OS: How does it feel to have been drafted by the Nashville Predators a few weeks ago?

CM: Honestly, I mean, it’s a lifelong dream to get drafted. It was really exciting when it happened. The first person I called was my mom, and she was ecstatic about it. And, I mean, getting drafted by the Predators is awesome. I think they’re a good organization. I think I’m in good hands with them. 

OS: Do you have a favorite hockey memory?

CM: I’d have to say winning the national championship with my AAA team back home in Michigan. That was pretty sweet.

OS: How has it been adjusting to being a student-athlete?

CM: It was a little tough in the beginning. It was tough getting used to being on the ice with all these classes and stuff too. Just because juniors were strictly hockey basically. But, I mean, I feel like I’m adjusting pretty well to all of it now. I feel like another adjustment thing was just getting my confidence back, just because I haven’t really skated much all summer, because of COVID shutdowns. I feel like I’m doing pretty good now, though. 

OS: Do you have a mentor within the program?

CM: Alex Limoges.

OS: Do you have a favorite place on campus?

CM: Not really. I want to go to Mount Nittany, I guess that’s not on campus. I need to hike that. 

OS: What do you like to do in your downtime?

CM: Honestly, I like to get a nap in. I don’t really play too many video games, but sometimes it takes my mind off of things. And I like to golf, but golfing is getting shut down here pretty soon. It’s getting a little cold for that.

OS: As per Onward State tradition, If you could be any dinosaur, what would you be and why?

CM: Probably a T-Rex just because they’re the most dominant.