Local Standout Captains Sign with Hometown Team

BOSTON - Two local kids' dreams came true last week as Marc McLaughlin - from Billerica, Mass. - and Mike Callahan - from Franklin, Mass. - became parts of the Bruins organization and will represent the team they grew up watching in their childhood homes.

"I'm so grateful to be in this orgainzation and to have this opportunity ahead of me," said McLaughlin, the 6-foot, 210-pound forward out of Boston College, who signed a two-year, entry-level deal with the B's that begins this season on March 15. The 22-year-old served as captain during his last two years at BC, and went out on a high note hitting career bests in goals (21), assists (11), and points (32) during his 2021-22 season.
McLaughlin is not brand new to the Black & Gold, as he attended Development Camp this past summer, which gave him a insight on how things run in the Spoked-B.
"I feel like I kind of got an inside look at how things operate here and feel like I learned a ton there from guys like Adam McQuaid and Chris Kelly," said McLaughlin, who played two games for Team USA at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. "So, that definitely swayed my decision a little bit getting to get an understanding of of how things operate, for sure."
As a life lifelong Bruins fan - and natural centerman - it is no surpise McLaughlin looks up to the one and only Patrice Bergeron. "I have always been a massive fan of Bergeron," said McLaughlin. "How responsible he is in both zones, and how hard he competes is something I always try to bring in my game as well."
And as for how speical a moment this was for McLaughlin, he kept it pretty simple, saying, "this is the jersey I've always wanted to wear."

Also standing tall at 6-foot-2 is Callahan, the dynamic blue liner out of Franklin. Like McLaughlin, his fellow Massachusetts native and new teammate, the 22-year-old served as a captian for Providence College for the past three years, and much like Bergeron, Callahan's leadership style is primarly based on his actions.
"As a leader I think I lead by example," said Callahan, who also signed a two-year, entry-level deal with the Bruins that begins next season, just under a month after his rights were acquired by Boston via trade with Arizona. "Being vocal is something I grew into, but I always try to lead by example and just do the right thing."
Callahan is also looking to the B's blue line as he aims to model his game after fellow right-shot defenseman Charlie McAvoy.
"I am trying to model how he plays," said Callahan. "The way he skates and defends, obviously he's a bigger guy so his physical play, and obviously he contributes on offense so that's something I want to bring to the Bruins as well."
After being drafted by the Arizona Coyotes back in 2018, Callahan said he couldnt be happier to be traded back home.
"Getting traded to the Bruins was the best feeling," said Callahan, who appeared in 136 career games with Providence College, recording 13 goals and 53 assists for 66 points and a plus-24 rating. "It was awesome that the organization wanted me to play pro for them and since I've always been a Bruins fan, I mean, you really can't ask for much more."
Callahan added that he is fitting in nicely with the Providence Bruins whom he joined in Charlotte, North Carolina, this weekend.
"The guys here have been super accommodating to me," said Callahan, who made his pro debut on Thursday in the P-Bruins' 2-1 shootout loss to Charlotte. "I'm enjoying my time with them."