One-on-one with Bruins first-round pick and Mount Saint Charles product, James Hagens
First of all, congratulations. I’m sure it’s been a bit of a whirlwind over the last few days. What’s it been like for you just going from getting drafted, getting here for camp, and practicing the last few days?
Yeah, it’s just been pure excitement from the moment I was able to to walk up on stage to put on the Bruins jersey. Um, you know, it’s it’s crazy. It’s, you know, it’s kind of a whirlwind. You’re going from being drafted to being in LA to, you know, getting on the ice and in the at the Bruins organization. So, it’s just, you know, you’re so you’re so thankful um that they were able to pick you.
What’s the adjustment been like getting out on the ice and practicing with these guys? It’s been so cool being able to be on the ice with all these top end players. Um just being able to compete, being able to wear a Bruins jersey while you’re doing it, too. It’s special. Well, I want to talk about the Rhode Island Connection. You spent a few years at Mount St. Charles. What was that experience like for you playing for such an elite program?
Yeah. um it was kind of a staple in uh I guess my way and and being here today. Um I give so much thanks to all the people that were able to impact my hockey career and just me as a person there. Um I’m super grateful I was able to go in there and I’ve learned so much.
You have any favorite memories of your time with the Mounties? Yeah. Um I just I think just honestly being in the dorms there’s been a lot of funny memories there. Um you know co you’re you’re stuck in a room doing online school um with all your buddies. So there was it was it was different. I loved it. It was it felt like a sleepover with your best friends every day of the week. So it was a really cool experience.
How much did that just shape your overall hockey career and journey to get you to the point where you are now?
Yeah. Um it taught me how to mature. I’m moving away from home, living on your own. Um you got to learn how to mature. You have to learn how to grow up. Um you know, you got to solve your own problems now. But I just think uh having my brother there, having family so close to you, it’s been really impactful. He’s someone that you know uh I’m I’m inspired by, someone that I looked up to ever since I was a little kid. So,
how soon after you got drafted did you hear from some of those former coaches?
Yeah. Um right away, um those are all the people that, you know, molded me into the player I am today. So, those were, you know, I made sure to to get back to them right away. Um I give them so much thanks. I’m so grateful that was able to learn from so many great hockey minds.
I know there’s a lot of um players that were drafted that had ties to Mount St. Charles. Just to be part of that now and to kind of be a name that comes out of there that now you’re going into the NHL. How much does that mean to you?
Yeah. Um it’s something that you grew up dreaming of. It’s something that you know you work for every day. I think as a little kid being able to turn on the TV and watch NHL hockey and show up to games, you you know, you don’t picture yourself being in that moment, but you know, you dream of it. And the fact that this is, you know, reality, um, I’m so grateful for it to be able to, you know, be in a Bruins locker room to be a part of an organization like this. It’s, you know, just one of the biggest honors in the world. Um, I love it and I’m so super grateful that I’m able to be here.
It seems like New England has kind of become a second home to you. you know, Rhode Island and then Boston, obviously. Is it surreal that you did get drafted by the Bruins? Like, has that actually sunk in yet that you get to stay in this area?
Yeah. Um, it it’s kind of sunk in when I was getting on the flight to come here. Um, this is my second home. I wanted to go to school in Boston. I love the city and to be able to, you know, stay here for hopefully, you know, the end of your career. You you have no idea, but um it’s it’s really cool. I’m super grateful. It’s, you know, it’s an opportunity where, you know, you’re know, you know, the area, um, you know, how prideful these fans are and, um, you know, how hard it’s going to be. So,
and now as you just kind of continue in camp and then maybe looking ahead to the fall, what’s your hope for the next few months?
Yeah. Um, you know, you want to be a Boston Bruin. Uh, I want to be a Boston Bruin so badly. So, my goal is to work towards being a Bruin one day. Um, you know, you have to talk to management. um see see what the time frame is, but um my dream and goal is to be a Boston Bruin. So
Awesome. Well, thank you so much and congratulations again.
Sports Team 10’s Nicole Menner goes one-on-one with Bruins first-round draft pick, James Hagens.
https://turnto10.com/sports/boston-bruins
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