Owen McKinnon had a clear blueprint for success in the OJHL.
Both of his brothers spent parts of their junior careers in the league. Ian is now playing professionally in the AHL with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, while Rylee went on to have success in lacrosse and was selected in the 2016 NLL draft by the Saskatchewan Rush.
"If it wasn't for them, I probably wouldn't be playing hockey still," Owen said. "Ian's definitely helped me. Seeing what he's done has kept me motivated. It definitely pushed me. I wasn't sure I was going to keep playing, but they've helped me a lot. I just try to learn and take their ideas."
The influence of his brothers extended to his summer training sessions at Elite Training Systems in his hometown of Whitby.
"Ian's always up and trying to wake me up in the morning and get me going." he said. "We have a gym in the garage in the summer. Both of my brothers help me out in there, and we mess around a bit."
Owen also credits his parents, Liz and Dan, for their support.
"I have nothing but great things to say about them," he said. "My parents have done it all for me, driving me everywhere. They've always looked out for me. They watch online and make it to as many games as they can. So nothing but great things to say. Without them, I'd be nowhere."
The Golden Hawks acquired McKinnon at the trade deadline from the Lindsay Muskies, adding a physical veteran presence to their blueline. Last season, he played with the rival Cobourg Cougars and made a strong impression on Trenton's coaching staff when the two teams met in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The over-age defenceman has tallied two goals, five points, and 121 penalty minutes in 48 games this season.
"Coming to Trenton was something that I really never expected to do in my junior career," McKinnon said. "With this being such a great team, I decided that it was a good idea to come here. Sometimes it doesn't feel right to put on that jersey, just going to war with them last year in the playoffs, but I'm really happy to be here."
The Golden Hawks' passionate fan base is something McKinnon has long been familiar with, having watched his brothers play against them with the Whitby Fury and Cobourg Cougars.
"It was never fun because you knew that it was always going to be a close game. Even when my brothers played," he said. "We'd always sit there when I was a young kid watching the crowd. Trenton is known for that loud fan base. I think we have a really great fan base here."
McKinnon is ready to bring his experience and physicality to a team with championship aspirations.
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