Building UNLV’s hockey program with an NHL-level training camp — thanks to Columbus’ assistant coach
By Jesse Granger Aug 15, 2019
As UNLV hockey players slowly meandered off the ice at City National Arena Wednesday morning following a taxing practice, some stayed behind to chat with Kenny McCudden.
“This is your third year with me,” McCudden remarked to UNLV senior defenseman Bas Assaf. “You looked great out there.”
Assaf thanked McCudden and turned to the exit, beaming with a giant smile stretching across his face. McCudden, who is entering his fifth season as an assistant coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets, then stepped aside to chat with a first-year player, asking him where he’s from and where he played hockey.
McCudden may only see these players a few days a year, but his genuine interest in their careers is what makes him such an effective leader of young men.
He flew into Las Vegas late Tuesday night and will be wheels up to Arizona at the end of the week, but he isn’t here to bark orders. Well, not just that. There’s plenty of barking, as McCudden’s…
