McTavish comes out flying in return from Ducks

After a nine-game adventure with the Anaheim Ducks, centre Mason McTavish is back with the Peterborough Petes.

On familiar ice in his return to the Peterborough Memorial Centre, the 18-year-old McTavish recorded his third career OHL hat trick in a 5-3 win over the North Bay Battalion on Thursday night.

The third overall pick in the July draft picked up two goals and an assist in his first taste of the NHL, which ended before the 10-game mark where his entry-level contract would have kicked in.

After his first game back with the Petes — 7-10-1 heading into the weekend — McTavish took time to discuss what he learned from the Ducks, including captain Ryan Getzlaf, and the chance that he’ll represent Canada at the world junior championship, starting on Boxing Day in Edmonton and Red Deer. The interview has been edited for length:

The game against the North Bay Battalion was your first at the Peterborough Memorial Centre since the 2019-20 season. What was it like stepping onto the ice and playing in front of the Peterborough fans?

It’s been a while since having fans and playing back in the Memorial Centre. Obviously we had fans in Anaheim, but it’s always a bit different with junior. The fans are passionate. It’s definitely cool to play in front of fans in the PMC again.

With the Anaheim Ducks, you were one of the few juniors to get drafted and crack an NHL roster after your first training camp. How special was that opportunity?

When I got drafted, my goal was to play in the NHL. That’s what I was working for in the summer. It’s good to have that goal in the back of your mind when you’re lifting weights or skating in the summer. Once I made the team and played my first NHL game, I don’t think it set in for a couple of weeks, to be honest.

It was definitely a great start to my pro career, and hopefully next year

I can crack the roster full time.

Can you elaborate on the work you did over the summer?

I work out with Sean Young. He’s worked with the Ottawa Redblacks in the CFL as a strength trainer, and is the strength/conditioning coach for the 67’s. A little rivalry there, but we do a good job. He works really hard, as well as all the other guys there.

I then skated with skills coach Pat Malloy in Ottawa. He’s one of the best in North America. I skated with him three to four times a week. Getting the chance to skate with other NHL guys helps you get ready for the next step.

What were the biggest lessons you learned from your time with the Ducks?

I was fortunate to watch Ryan Getzlaf and to be his teammate. One of the biggest takeaways was just the way Getzlaf carries himself and when he practises and plays, all the little details. His leadership — obviously he’s a great leader — and how he went to work every day. The older guys, they prepare. They don’t take practices, shifts or games off. That was probably the biggest takeaway for me.

You played nine games with the Ducks, recording three points. Is there a moment that stands out?

That first game (a 4-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets). I had two points and scored on my first shot, which is definitely pretty cool. Having it waved off for a bit, then allowed, definitely brought mixed emotions. I think the coolest moment on the ice was Getzlaf’s 1,000th point. And we also won the 1,000th game for the franchise.

The world junior hockey championship is a month away. What would it mean for you to wear the red and white as Canada tries to win a gold medal?

It would be terrific. You always grew up as a kid watching them, and as a Canadian playing hockey you want to be on that team around Christmastime. To be watched on TV, playing for that team, the game I love, it’s something I’m super-passionate about, and hopefully I get a chance to do that.