Former Canadiens goaltender announces retirement at 27-years-old
A former Montreal Canadiens goaltender has announced his retirement at 27-years-old.
After seven seasons of professional hockey in North America, as well as a small stint in France, former Montreal Canadiens goaltender Michael McNiven has made the decision to hang up the skates.
McNiven signed an entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens in the fall of 2015 as an undrafted free agent. He went on to spent parts of five seasons in the Canadiens organization before being dealt to the Calgary Flames for future considerations in 2022. His tenure with the Flames only lasted 19 days, as Calgary traded McNiven back across Canada to the Ottawa Senators, also for future considerations.
While McNiven's playing career has come to a close, it didn't take him long to find a new job in hockey as he's signed on as an assistant coach with the Powell River Kings in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL).
The Georgetown, Ontario native appeared in one game in the National Hockey League in his career. McNiven came into the game to start the third period in relief of Cayden Primeau in January 2022 against the Minnesota Wild. He allowed three goals on seven shots as the Canadiens lost 8 to 2.
McNiven's final season in professional hockey - 2023-24, saw him make stops in the ECHL with the Wheeling Nailers and Savannah Ghost Pirates before heading over to France, where he suited up in seven games for Gap HC.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Michael McNiven could be a coach in the NHL one day? | ||
| Yes | 7 | 21.2 % |
| No | 11 | 33.3 % |
| Too early to say | 15 | 45.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
