When the NHL Draft get under way, Roger McQueen will be a top prospect on many teams’ radars. At 6-foot-5, McQueen presents himself as a power forward that scouts can’t ignore. His path to being drafted hasn’t been easy; it’s a story defined by grit, injury setbacks, and an unshakable belief in his own game.
Childhood and the Western Hockey League
Born in Saskatchewan, Canada, McQueen started skating on a river rink at the age of two and playing hockey at the age of four.
At 15, McQueen signed with the Brandon Wheat Kings in the Western Hockey League, fulfilling a dream rooted in family legacy: “I’ve grown up always wanting to be like my dad and play in those leagues,” McQueen told the Brandon Sun in 2021.
In the WHL, McQueen dominated with skillful puck moving, smart positioning, and a fearless presence in front of the net. He skates with deceptive speed for his size and has become known for his playmaking under pressure.
Injury Setbacks
During the latest WHL season, McQueen suffered a back injury that limited him to just 17 regular season games. As the 2025 draft looms, that injury has left some scouts cautious.
One analyst described him as a “High risk, high reward” pick for this draft. The injury has raised questions, but McQueen’s talent has never been in doubt.
Turning Point: Putting Injury Behind Him
McQueen didn’t let his injury define him. He focused on rest and recovery and was able to fully participate in the fitness testing at the NHL Scouting Combine at HarborCenter.
He kept a positive attitude about his return from injury. "Being able to come here and have that back issue past me now, it's so nice to have that in my past," McQueen said. "I think I came a long way this year with that. So I think just having that in the past and being able to come here and compete with my buddies is awesome." (Read the full article here)
Why Roger McQueen’s Journey Matters
In today’s fast-paced hockey world, it’s easy to get caught up in scout rankings, highlight reels and stats. But McQueen’s story is a reminder that the path to success isn’t linear.
As draft night approaches, McQueen remains a projected top-10 pick–and a player with the potential to be a franchise cornerstone. The only question now is: Which team will take the chance?
Key Takeaways
For Parents: Injuries and obstacles don’t define your child’s future. Support them through hard times — those moments can build character and resilience.
For Coaches: Look beyond the injury report. A player viewed as a high-risk choice, could also be your next big win.
For Young Athletes: Your draft year or season might not follow a perfect script. Stay patient and prepared for when your moment comes.