Michael Callahan decided it was time for a challenge.
The four-year star defenseman of Roxbury Latin knew he could push himself and further develop his already blossoming game if he were to leave home and head to the United States Hockey League.
The Franklin, Mass., native made the tough decision to leave his family and friends back home to join the Central Illinois Flying Aces in the USHL. The Providence College commit is already reaping the benefits of that choice.
"It’s been a big jump for me coming up from prep. It’s been challenging. It’s a tough league to play in, but I definitely made the right choice coming out here. It’s a great developmental league," Callahan explained.
Callahan, who is ranked 102nd in the NHL Central Scouting midterm rankings, has taken advantage of every opportunity he has been afforded with the Flying Aces.
"His progression has been fantastic. We’ve had some significant injuries and he’s stepped into situations and thrived. He’s exceeded our expectations," said first-year Central Illinois coach Mike Watt.
Callahan, who committed to Providence more than two years ago, always has been well-regarded for his size (6-foot-2) and mobility, but his overall game has improved and his development trajectory has continued upward.
"He’s a big, tall, lanky kid. We want him to be that general that eats minutes and be more assertive," Watt stated.
Stick positioning, defending against the rush and staying on the right side of the puck are three areas the Flying Aces staff has focused on with Callahan.
"We’ve worked with him on stick position, position on gaps and his pivot — weak, neutral or strong stick, and keeping his gap at a stick and a half," explained Watt, who played college hockey at Michigan State.
Working in Callahan’s favor is his ability to be a sponge of knowledge. He’s taken to the coaching he’s received in the USHL.
"He’s cerebral. He’s picked up things quickly. He comprehends things visually and verbally. He’s gained confidence," said Watt.
Adapting to the increased skill and speed of opposing forwards in the USHL was a learning curve, but it will help him in the long run as he moves on to playing in Hockey East and beyond.
"As a two-way defender, learning to play against the really skilled forwards in the league as well as be able to contribute offensively in a league that’s really tough to score in," said Callahan of the biggest adjustments. "I’ve just been trying to get better every day since I’ve come out here."
While there are built-in advantages of having pro size, it sometimes takes bigger prospects a little longer for their feet to catch up with their body. Callahan always has had good mobility for his size, but he’s glad he’s being forced to continue working on his agility and defending with his feet this season.
"As a bigger defenseman, it’s foot speed and being able to take on those quicker forwards on the rush. The forwards in this league are highly skilled and can make you look bad at times. It’s been huge to play consistently against that type of speed," Callahan explained.
Callahan’s size and physical tools are highly coveted. He’s already spoken to several NHL organizations and will continue those communications as well as others prior to June’s draft.
"I try to communicate that I’m a two-way defenseman who is really strong in my own end. I can be trusted to keep the puck out of our own net. From there, be strong from the goalmouth out. Make a strong first pass. Offensively, I want to jump into the offense at the right time," said Callahan.
"I’m learning how to be a trusted player in all three zones and being able to be on the ice in all situations to be a complete player," Callahan added.
In addition to his USHL slate with the Flying Aces, Callahan has been selected for two prestigious developmental games. He played in September’s USA Hockey/CCM All-American Prospects Game in Buffalo and last month’s USHL NHL Top Prospects Game in Kearney, Neb.
He especially benefited from the All-American Prospects Game, as it provided him a glimpse into what it would be like playing against many of the best collegebound players on a nightly basis.
"That was a great experience to get my feet wet playing against some of the best players in the country. Being able to play against them and adjust to that level of play was huge coming into the season," Callahan explained.
In addition to playing, practicing, working out and going to school, Callahan fits in time to study top defensemen who already have made it to the next level.
"I watch a lot of hockey because there are all kinds of players out there who I can learn a lot from," said Callahan.
"If I had to pick one, I’d say Victor Hedman from the Tampa Bay Lightning. His game is strong in all three zones. He’s a bigger guy who skates well. We have similar body types and skillsets. He’s one of the better defensemen in the league who can be trusted to kill penalties and be a force on the power play. He’s a guy I look up to and model my game after," Callahan continued.
Come next fall, Callahan will be part of one of the best freshman classes in school history at Providence. It’s a group that also includes Thayer star Jay O’Brien, former Salisbury forward Tyce Thompson and Las Vegas Golden Knights draft pick Jack Dugan. Callahan is eager to begin his journey in college.
"I came from prep, which is known for the small-school feel. Providence is a smaller private school. It felt comfortable and right for me," he stated.
"Their program is well-regarded and Coach (Nate) Leaman does a great job down there. It’s really exciting to know I’m going to a place with those facilities, high-end coaching and at a school that really cares about its hockey. I’m excited to get in there and help them win hockey games," he concluded.
Most NHL scouts believe Callahan could be taken anywhere from the third to fifth rounds.
