UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Some athletes can make drastic changes in their on-ice performance through changing their diet, developing a better sleep routine and putting work in at the gym.
But for others, it's just about getting over a mental block.
To Kenny Johnson, Connor MacEachern's roommate and friend, MacEachern's on-ice success this year is simply the result of getting out of his head and gaining more confidence.
"I'd say compare the first two years to this year and he's shot the puck more," Johnson said. "He's shooting the puck way more, and he has the confidence and he knows that he can score every time he shoots. I ask him every game, 'How many shots are you going to get?' And he'll tell me a number every period, and I expect him to hit that number and he usually does, and he usually has a goal in there.
"I'd say it's all in his head. I think he's starting to realize that he can do it, and he's doing it well, as in scoring and producing and being a leader on the ice."
While MacEachern acknowledges that he's gained some confidence over the last two years, he can't pinpoint anything he is doing differently to create such a change in his game.
MacEachern has registered 15 points in 17 games (10 goals, five assists) so far this season. During his freshman and sophomore campaigns he racked up 22 points, and between the two seasons, he had five goals.
He's already doubled the goals he scored the past two years in just half a season, and there's still plenty of hockey to play before the 2021-22 season comes to a close.
"I watch my diet, but at the same time I know calories are really important. So, I try to consume those and stay healthy," MacEachern said. "Get rest and hydrate a lot… nothing really changed that much, I've kind of just been doing the same things."
Over the summer, MacEachern spent some much-needed time with his family in his hometown of Brooklin, Ontario, Canada. After being away from them for so long, he took time to get away from the game and relax.
The reset was just what he needed to jump back into training at full-force.
"I was (back at Penn State) for almost two months of the summer, so I got a really good chance to work out in the gym and get on the ice every day, so that was phenomenal," he said. "We had a huge group of guys here all summer, so I think that really helped me a lot. I was really driven to continue to improve and make a big impact, and that was kind of my goal."
MacEachern said that part of the reason for his improvement this year is due to his teammates, and what he's learned from them over the last two years as a Nittany Lion.
His mentor, Liam Folkes, as well as Aarne Talvitie, Alex Limoges, and Tim Doherty are just a few players who have had a large impact on his on-ice performance.
"(Tim Doherty and I) talked a lot," MacEachern said. "He was a centerman as well, so I kind of learned a lot from him last year. I think this year I've gained more confidence with and without the puck."
Johnson said that MacEachern brings a "scoring touch," to the team, and his newfound confidence with the puck is allowing him to score more consistently.
If the Nittany Lions need a goal or a spark, they know that they can put MacEachern on the ice and that he'll create something for them.
"It may not happen every time, but when he gets the puck in the third period and we need one more goal, or we need to finish it out, seal the deal for the win, he can shoot and score," Johnson said.
MacEachern's ability to be a consistent, reliable player has put both his coaches and teammates at ease.
"I'm not even talking to him right now because he's been playing so well in all three areas," head coach Guy Gadowsky said. "I love the results, but it's his demeanor that gets him those results… he's a team guy."
"You talk about athleticism, strength, conditioning… he's elite. He takes it very seriously, he does it consistently. He came in this season with unbelievable strength – and while he's very strong and powerful, he's also extremely fun. Really good to be around…and when it comes down to it, as fun as he is, he's probably one of the first guys that if things go south – you want to be next to him."
MacEachern, who is roommates with both Johnson and Kevin Wall, is known for entertaining them and the team with his loud personality.
"I'd say he always has something to say, whether he's arguing with me or Kevin at the house or someone else in the locker room, he's always involved... he's one of the biggest team guys I know and that I've ever played with," Johnson said.
Johnson, who's been close with MacEachern since the two arrived at Penn State, said that seeing MacEachern have success inspires him to work harder.
But seeing his friend get rewarded for his efforts beats out all else.
"To come in and be roommates freshman year and kind of go through the struggles together and now watching him start to move up the ladder – he's pulling me along and helping me out… seeing him kind of build that confidence and then this year get that shining moment to be a leader and score goals and help win us games – the success just brings joy to my life, that I'm there with him and helping him along," Johnson said. "I'm just proud."
