Behind the mask: Old Town-Orono’s Tyler McCannell

OLD TOWN, Maine — Waking up for 5 a.m. practices, practicing drills at home and studying hours of film has become second nature to Old Town-Orono hockey player Tyler McCannell, who learned early on the value of dedication. 

While some of his teammates may complain about the tough practices and early mornings, McCannell pushes through, relying on a simple motto: get it done. 

McCannell grew to love hockey at just 5 years old, when a friend’s father took him to a learn-to-skate clinic. Since then, he’s committed himself to constantly improving his skills.

Now a senior at Old Town High School, McCannell has established himself as a leader for the unified team and this year, he was promoted to co-captain. Since merging the Old Town and Orono teams around 2014, the Blacks Bears seemed to have found its stride with McCannell playing an integral part in the team’s success. 

Senior Tyler McCannell rushes across the ice during practice at Alfond Sports Arena on Jan. 22. Tyler plays with his brother Connor on the Old Town-Orono hockey team. (Natalie Williams | BDN)

“We’re all Old Town-Orono. No splits. We’re all one team,” McCannell told the Bangor Daily News in 2018 after the Black Bears beat Greely 3-2, earning the team the title of state champions. 

McCannell helped lead the team to victory that year, scoring the first two goals against the Rangers, although he’d likely chalk the win up to teamwork over his individual contributions. 

Growing up, McCannell said his parents supported him through his athletic endeavors and kept him grounded — they were the ones who taught him humility. He’d sooner praise the team’s victories than claim them as his alone. That attitude may have helped the Black Bears maintain their status as a competitive team. 

Although Old Town-Orono lost the state championships to Greely last year, the team is still well regarded around the state for high school hockey. With the team’s support, McCannell scored his 100th career point during a game against Camden Hills on Jan. 1, with Old Town-Orono winning 4-2. 

[2-time defending champ Old Town-Orono still the team to beat in B North hockey]

For more than a decade, McCannell has stuck with hockey — even during the tougher years. 

“I’ve had years where I struggled but not enough to make me quit,” he said. 

“Kids can be mean to each other,” he added, but his parents encouraged him to keep going. 

“Sometimes you take it better when you’re [older] … Back then it was harder to believe because everyone was harping on me all the time.”

The years of struggle seemed to have paid off, and McCannell has become a leader and role model for the younger Old Town-Orono players.  

In school, McCannell applies that same work ethic he dedicates to hockey to his studies. While there’s not a subject he doesn’t like, he said, he’s most fond of English and science. After graduation, McCannell hopes to play in the junior leagues, but he’s also open to other career paths like teaching — although for now, he has his sights set on hockey.

“I want to go as far as I can with hockey,” he said. 

Head coach Chris Thurlow has watched McCannell grow as an athlete and leader over the last four years. 

“He’s been a big part of our success in this program,” Thurlow said of the senior left wing. 

Thurlow said that McCannell’s commitment and love for the sport has shaped him into the player he is today. 

“Hockey [is] his love and he puts a lot of work into it,” Thurlow said.

Everyday before school, the team meets at the Alfond for its regular 5 a.m. practice — although McCannell is up by 3:30 a.m. 

“He’s the first one on the ice and the last one to leave,” said Thurlow. 

The coach added that McCannell stays on the ice after most of the team has left, working on his craft. He has great raw skill, Thurlow said.

McCannell may have inherited his dedication for hockey from his parents, who reminded him to stay focused and work on improving himself. 

That’s how he gets through the tough practices — by always keeping in mind that each challenge will make him better in the end.

 “It’s a life skill, it’s not just about hockey,” McCannell said. “That came straight out of my dad’s mouth.”