My Hockey Hero

Born in Halifax and adopted into a white family in Sarnia, Ontario, Mike McKegney grew up on a backyard rink that helped shape three high-level players: Mike, his older brother Ian (who reached the NHL with Chicago), and his younger brother Tony (who starred in the NHL with Buffalo, St. Louis, and Quebec). In this candid conversation, Mike reflects on his adoption journey, growing up as a Black pl...

On this episode of My Hockey Hero , we celebrate the journey of Hayden Paupanekis , a six-foot-five center from the Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba and draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens (2025 NHL Draft, 4th round, 69th overall). Hayden reflects on learning to skate at five in Winnipeg’s minor hockey system, the support of his family and community, and the pride he takes in being a role mod...

 In this episode of My Hockey Hero , host Dean Barnes sits down with Alex Huang , star defenceman for the Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the QMJHL and 2025 draft pick of the Nashville Predators . Alex shares his journey as the son of Chinese immigrants growing up in a diverse Montreal suburb, his early love for hockey (starting on orange juice caps), and how the pandemic became a turning point in his de...

Born and raised in the Cayman Islands, Jaxon Cover took one of the most unconventional paths to major junior hockey. In this episode of My Hockey Hero , Jackson joins Dean to share how roller hockey on a Caribbean island led him all the way to the London Knights and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) . Jaxon reflects on: Discovering roller hockey at age three and representing the Cayman Islands in t...

In this special Black History Month edition of My Hockey Hero , host Dean Barnes sits down with trailblazer John Parris Jr., player, coach, scout, and general manager, to explore what it truly costs to break barriers in hockey and hold the door open for others. From frozen ponds in rural Windsor, Nova Scotia , to signing with the Montreal Canadiens organization , John reflects on race, resilience,...

Meet Bill Zonnan, the high-octane forward whose relentless drive and inspiring journey are lighting up the hockey world. Growing up in Montreal, Bill overcame setbacks, made his mark in the QMJHL, and has now been drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Off the ice, his story is just as powerful, breaking barriers, building community, and inspiring the next generation. Tune in for an inside look at th...

Jaeden Nelson shares his inspiring journey from a young hockey enthusiast to a promising junior hockey goaltender. Born to Ghanaian immigrant parents in Ottawa, he discovered his passion for goaltending early, inspired by Marc-Andre Fleury. Notable Moments: First drafted by hometown Ottawa 67's Transitioned from affiliate goalie to full-time player Discusses challenges of living away from home at...

In this episode, Pavel Mckenzie, a talented left winger currently playing in the CHL, shares his journey from the small town of Cumberland House, Saskatchewan, to playing in the prestigious Canadian Hockey League. Pavel reflects on his early hockey experiences, the support of his family, and his deep connection to his indigenous roots. He opens up about his journey through various leagues, the cha...

In this episode, we're diving deep into the life and journey of a rising CHL goalie who's seen it allfrom being part of rebuilding teams to playoff runs that captivated entire communities. We're talking about the grind, the growth, and the grit it takes to compete at such a high level, with Nicolas Ruccia Our Nicolas shares his unique experiences navigating the challenges of junior hockey, includi...

Were sitting down with one of the rising stars of the Canadian Hockey Leaguedefenseman Kashawn Aitcheson. Kashawn has already made waves with his impressive skills on the ice and his leadership off it. From being part of Canadas gold medal-winning U18 team to preparing for the upcoming CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, Kashawns journey is nothing short of inspiring. But theres more to his story than ju...

In this episode of My Hockey Hero, were thrilled to bring you the inspiring story of Shamar Moses. Shamar grew up in Scarborough, Ontario, where he honed his skills in minor hockey before becoming a formidable forward in the CHL. His journey from house league to the pros is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and passion. Shamar shares how he balanced hockey with baseball, his transition from...

In this episode, Dean explores the meaning of representation as he attends the 2024 Memorial Cup in Saginaw, Michigan, where he showcases his black hockey card collection, featuring trailblazing NHL players. The episode includes interviews with fans and hockey enthusiasts who express their admiration for the players and the significance of seeing diverse athletes in the sport. Dean interviews vari...

This 2024 Memorial Cup special episode is exciting to welcome Donovan McCoy. Donovan grew up in Belleville, Ontario, and began playing hockey with the Belleville Junior Bulls. He transitioned to triple-A level, and Donovan realized he had potential to play at higher levels, being drafted to the Peterborough Petes in 2020. He reflects on the experience of being the first Black captain in Peterborou...

This 2024 Memorial Cup special episode is exciting to welcome back Peter Worrell, former NHL player who took to the ice for the Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche. Peter is one of the few black Canadians to have won the Memorial Cup, an esteemed trophy awarded to the top junior hockey team from Canada and the US. He will talk about his junior hockey career, winning the Memorial Cup in 1997 an...

Malcolm Spence, was raised in Burlington Ontario, a 17-year-old forward for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League, who several hockey observers believe has the potential to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The 17-year-old forward for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League scored on a breakaway with seven seconds remaining in overtime to propel Canada to a 3-2 win against Czechia in the champion...

Originally from Brooklin, ON, Jordan is in his third season with the Owen Sound Attack, after being drafted in 2020 as a 12th Round pick (# 151). The Jerseys designed by Jordan as both a celebration of diversity within the game and in support of Team Jamaica and the Owen Sound Emancipation Festival. The black and red jerseys feature a prominent raised, clenched fist symbolizing the fight against r...

Black History Month/ African Heritage Month at Brock and the Podcast Learning Network are pleased to present a live recording of My Hockey Hero with host Dean Barnes and guest Tony McKegney.   The  Podcast Learning Network  is open to all members of the Brock community interested in learning more about podcasting. Undergraduate and graduate students, staff, faculty, and instructors are welcome to...

Dean was a guest on Hockey Time Machine, talking about his World Juniors card collection and much more. Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/live/tEgotdFZI7o?si=qJaDu2xWUjB5wcVL My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.org The see the...

Maxime Fortunus was born July 28, 1983 in La Prairie, Quebec. He played in the NHL for the Dallas Stars, alongside a long pro career in the AHL and ECHL. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at  ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out  hockeyequality.org The see the Black Hockey card collection and lear...

Nigel Dawes was born in Winnipeg Manitoba in 1985. He played 212 games in 5 seasons in the National Hockey League for the New York Rangers, Phoenix Coyotes, Calgary Flames, Atlanta Thrashers, and Montreal Canadiens. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at  ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out  hockey...

Kenndal McArdle was born in Toronto, Ontario in 1987. After starting out in the Western Hockey League, he played for the Florida Panthers and the Winnipeg Jets. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at  ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out  hockeyequality.org The see the Black Hockey card collection a...

Sean Brown was born in Oshawa, Ontario in 1976. Following a successful run in the OHL he moved to the NHL, playing for the Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils and Vancouver Canucks. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at  ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out  hockeyequality.org The see...

In this short mid-Season check in host Dean and producer Rhys discuss the season so far, and what is yet to come! My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at  ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out  hockeyequality.org The see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to  www.blackhockeycards.com W...

Chris Beckford-Tseu was born in Ontario in 1984. He is goalie who played for St. Louis Blues in the 2007-2008 season. He has also played a long career across the OHL, AHL and ECHL. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at  ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out  hockeyequality.org The see the Black Hock...

Jamal Mayers was born in Toronto in 1974. Hes played for St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, San Jose Sharks and the Chicago Blackhawks My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at  ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out  hockeyequality.org The see the Black Hockey card collection and lear...