Following the impressive season of the Clemson club ice hockey team, The Tiger sat down with senior John McKeon to discuss his journey to Clemson and its club hockey program.

Kelly Kaelblein (KK): Where are you from, and when/how did you start playing hockey?

John McKeon (JM): I’m from Waccabuc, New York, and I started playing hockey at 6 years old for the Bedford Bears.

KK: What is your earliest/best memory of playing hockey?

JM: Best memory is a tough one. My most recent best memory is beating Coastal Carolina in overtime with the boys.

KK: Outside of hockey, what is something you want people to know about you?

JM: I want people to know that the best has yet to come.

KK: Why did you decide to come to Clemson?

JM: I decided to come to Clemson after visiting my older sister here on Clemson Family Weekend of 2016.

KK: How did you find out Clemson had a hockey team?

JM: I found out we had a hockey team at my first Tiger Prowl in the fall of 2018.

KK: What are you most proud of during your time at Clemson?

JM: In my time at Clemson, I’m most proud that the Clemson hockey team has never been a closer family unit and will only continue as a brotherhood of tradition and love for the game.

KK: What are you hoping to do once you leave Clemson?

JM: When I leave Clemson, I’m looking to use my love for athletics and movement science to help people develop into the best versions of themselves that they can be.

KK: What is your favorite memory from your time at Clemson?

JM: My favorite memory from Clemson is partying in the streets of downtown Clemson after Clemson football won the national championship my freshman year.

KK: How will you remember Clemson?

JM: I will remember Clemson as the ultimate life training ground where I met people and had experiences that shaped me for the better as I went through here.

KK: How do you want Clemson and the people you’ve met there to remember you?

JM: I want those I’ve met at Clemson to remember me for the love and good times we’ve shared together.

KK: Is there anything else you want people to know about you?

JM: I want people to know that although I’m sad to leave this place, I wouldn’t have rather done college in any other way and can’t wait to see how Clemson and Clemson hockey moves forward.

Interview responses were edited for length and clarity.