He will join the Red Bull Academy’s under-18 hockey team in Salzburg, Austria, for the 2015-16 season.
“I was excited for the opportunity to take my game to the next level, and try to get better,” said McKenna.
The 16-year-old son of Mark and Sara McKenna of Summerside explained the opportunity arose after a phone call from his agent, Clark MacLean.
“He called just wondering how it sounded to me?,” said McKenna, a right-winger. “I thought it would be great to go over there, get to travel the world and play good hockey in amazing facilities. I jumped at the opportunity.”
Was there anything in particular that influenced his decision?
“Probably when I saw Red Bull,” answered the soft-spoken McKenna. “I looked up all the places they sponsor, they are such first class and everything with Red Bull on it is done right.
“I heard lots of good things about it (program), and it was an easy decision after I saw all that.”
While the prospect of being on your own in another country may be intimidating for a teenager, McKenna says he can draw on his experiences the past two years at Notre Dame in Wilcox, Sask.
“Just being independent and figuring out everything on your own was a big help for me for my maturity in going to Notre Dame,” he said.
McKenna expects to play approximately 70 games this season, including tournaments in Germany, Czech Republic, Switzerland and North America.
“I’m looking to improve overall, so I can get to the next level, junior or college,” said McKenna. “I just want to keep working on my skills, my skating, fitness and everything about it.”
Future
As for his future, McKenna is keeping his options open. He spent two days at the training camp of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Moncton Wildcats in August, but left in time to maintain his NCAA eligibility.
McKenna spent the last week with the Summerside Western Capitals. The Caps selected McKenna, who led all scorers with 22 points (8-14) at the 2015 Canada Winter Games, with one of the team’s two territorial picks in June.
“It was a good experience,” recalled McKenna, who had four goals and an assist in three MHL (Maritime Junior Hockey League) exhibition games with the Caps. “All the veterans and everyone treated me very well.
“I was happy with my experience with the Caps, and I can’t say enough good things about the organization.”
Twitter.com/JpsportsJason
Did you know
Jeremy McKenna is one of three Prince Edward Islanders playing with the Red Bull Academy’s under-18 team this season.
Defencemen Noah Dobson of Summerside and Chris McQuaid of Charlottetown are also with the team.
The team sees its first action this weekend.
