Radnor's Cullen McNally is Main Line Boys' Athlete of the Week

Main Line Media News: Cullen, you scored three consecutive goals in the Red Raiders’ 6-3 win against Conestoga Wednesday as a defender. Can you briefly describe each goal, and how the play developed leading to each goal?

Cullen McNally: I play behind a great bunch of forwards. We are very team oriented. If they find an opening they will make a shot, if there isn’t an opening they will give it to the defense to take a hard shot and clean up the rebounds for goals. This game, I was lucky enough to hit the net.

Main Line Media News: What, to you, has been the highlight of your Radnor ice hockey career to date?

Cullen McNally: My highlight was to be able to play with my brother Connor for a couple of years. We had a great time and really enjoyed the time together. Since his graduation, he has gone on to play in the Western States Hockey League, for the Missoula Maulers Junior Hockey team. .

Main Line Media News: Your coaches mentioned that you have been dominant on defense in both of your games so far this season. Last season you played forward, this winter you are a defender. What do you think are the most important attributes a defender can possess?

Cullen McNally: Our coaches, [head coach] John DiBuonaventura and assistant coach John Pitocchelli, train our defensemen to play with high energy while keeping consistency. Our goalies and forwards need to know what to expect from us and trust that we will win our battles so that they are able to do their jobs. We win as a team.

Main Line Media News: What do you think is the strongest part of your game? What aspect of your game are you working the most on currently?

Cullen McNally: I’ve always been a physical guy and have a very accurate pass and shot. My improvements are being made in quickness, strength and endurance training in the gym a few times a week.

Main Line Media News: You’re wearing No. 19 – is there any personal significance to you wearing that number?

Cullen McNally: It is a hand-me-down from my older brother Connor. He had good luck with it so I figured it would be good luck for me to wear it.

Main Line Media News: Who is your favorite ice hockey player?

Cullen McNally: I have a few favorites among current NHL players, but the man I have learned the most from and is truly interested in my playing at the highest level that I can is [former Flyer] Jim Watson.

Main Line Media News: In January 2012, you and your older brother Connor saw the Winter Classic and the Flyers’ Alumni Game from behind the Phillies’ dugout at Citizens Bank Park. Can you share with us your most vivid memory of that experience?

Cullen McNally: It was great. My coach for club hockey at the time was former Flyer Jim Watson. Mr. Watson and his brother Joe were defensemen for the Flyers when they won the Stanley Cup. Mr. Watson was also a big part of my brother Connor’s hockey. To see the [Watson] brothers play together at the highest level was great.

Main Line Media News: Tell us a little about the influence on your hockey career by your older brother Connor. What do you think has been the most important thing he has taught you about hockey?

Cullen McNally: Connor has always been involved in hockey. He and I started in roller hockey when we were little. Then we moved to ice hockey. We played on Club teams in the area. Now he has been playing in the Junior leagues and I just started this year. He has been a great person to talk to about improving my game. Since he’s my brother, he tells me exactly what’s on his mind.

Main Line Media News: You’ve played for the Little Flyers under former Flyer Jimmy Watson. What has been the most important thing you have learned from him?

Cullen McNally: Patience. Mr. Watson would allow you to make mistakes and teach you the best alternative for the situation. He rarely would “sit” a player for a shift, unless it was for disciplinary reasons. He would teach in practice and during the game, and by the end of the season, we were the toughest team in the division. His patience allowed us to feel confident and able even when times were tough.

Main Line Media News: What to you was your most memorable moment playing with the Little Flyers?

Cullen McNally: Overall it would have to be the friends I have made. I know so many players that I have played with and against. They are all my age and we have an amazing bond. I was told when I was young that the team atmosphere and time together in the locker room would be a great life experience. At the time I was too young to understand. Now I get it. These players are going to be friends for life.

Main Line Media News: As a junior defender, how do you view your leadership role? Do you consider yourself more of a vocal leader or a leader by example?

Cullen McNally: We are a team. As a member of the team, we are able to do or say anything we feel. It is a very professional environment. The quietest player and the newest player both have the same right to speak up as any veteran player. While try my best to let my actions speak for me, I always add insight and information, when necessary.

Main Line Media News: What colleges are among your current favorites? What do you think you’d like to major in? Is there a career path that currently interests you?

Cullen McNally: The most serious school to date has been University of Pittsburgh. They have contacted me about playing hockey. I have a few options brewing. It’s a little early for a decision. I would like to pursue sports management or marketing.

Cullen McNally’s favorites

Book: The Grapes of Wrath.

Movie: “Currently, World War Z; all-time, Blazing Saddles.”

Pre-game pump-up song: “Anything from the late 1990s that is thumping and loud.”

Athlete: “Scott Hartnell – gritty, fearless, tough to play against and fun to play with. I have never met him but would love to have the chance to speak with him. (Scottie, hit me up, we’ll grab dinner).”

Historical figures (past and/or present): “John Adams – I read his biography and found that he was an amazing man. Our country would be much different if he had not been involved.”

Team: “Flyers, but the Eagles have really turned it on this season. I’d love to have the chance to meet and speak with Nick Foles. (Nick, I’m open for lunch… working on dinner with Scottie).”

Travel destination: “Florida! The weather is great, the beaches are beautiful, the folks that live there are very nice. I can’t wait to visit again.”

Actor/actress: “Those Duck Dynasty guys look like fun to hang out with.”

McNally, a senior, has been dominant at defense for the Red Raiders this season after receiving All-Delco honorable mention honors as a forward last winter. He scored a hat trick in Radnor’s 6-3 win against Conestoga Nov. 27. His older brother Connor, who played alongside him at Radnor for two years, now plays for the Missoula Maulers Junior team in the Western States Hockey League.