Rheaume-Mullen Eyes Pro Grind After College Jump

From Goalie’s Bench to Forward’s Fire: A Family Legacy Fuels Ambition

A passion for skating ignited at 18 months old has propelled Rheaume-Mullen toward a professional hockey future. He’s learned invaluable lessons not only from his own experiences but also from his uncle, Pascal Rheaume, a former NHLer and Stanley Cup champion.

Lessons from the Pros

Rheaume-Mullen emphasizes the importance of relentless effort, even on challenging days. “The thing that sticks with me is, everyone does a lot, especially when you get to older levels, and it’s about who’s going to do more,” he shared. He focuses on finding that extra edge when feeling fatigued.

His uncle, Pascal Rheaume, who played 318 NHL games over nine seasons and won a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 2003, has been a significant influence. Pascal‘s own journey instilled a drive in his nephew to constantly improve.

A Pivotal Switch in the Crease

Initially a goaltender, Rheaume-Mullen made the impactful decision to switch to forward at age 10 after a difficult experience at The Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament in Edmonton. “He was like, ‘I never want to feel like this again.’ It just switched how much work he wanted to do, training as much as possible,” recalls his mother.

His mother found the switch a great relief. “I think it saved my mom from having a heart attack because every game she’s watching my older brother, she gets super nervous,” Rheaume-Mullen admitted. The move to forward allowed his mother to enjoy games with less anxiety.

Building on College and Camp Success

Rheaume-Mullen made a notable impression at the Sabres’ development camp, with the organization seeing “good, promising things” from his play. He’s now channeling that experience and his first year of college hockey into his upcoming sophomore season at Michigan.

The dedication required for a professional career is not lost on him. “You can’t just skate and then work out and then do whatever you want after,” Rheaume-Mullen stated. “It takes so much more than that to be a pro. I think that’s what NHL players are so good at. … That’s a big thing I’m going to take with me.”

This dedication is crucial in a sport where physical conditioning and mental toughness are paramount. For instance, NHL players often commit to rigorous off-season training regimens tailored to maximize performance throughout the demanding 82-game schedule. A 2023 study by the Hockey Institute highlighted that elite players dedicate an average of 40 hours per week to training during the offseason (Hockey Institute 2023).

Rheaume-Mullen‘s journey, from a toddler on the ice with a pacifier to a driven athlete preparing for a professional path, showcases a deep-rooted passion for the game. His commitment to continuous improvement, influenced by his family’s hockey heritage, positions him for a promising future.