'ALL I'VE EVER WANTED TO DO'

Giving back and helping others in need is one of life's most rewarding and noble causes.
It takes a kind, genuine, compassionate person to embark on that quest in the first place, and commit themselves to providing that gift and leading a life of purpose.
The Flames and AHL Wranglers are lucky to have such a figure representing our city and wearing those iconic, red-and-white colours this year, and beyond. And while Mitch McLain isn't anywhere close to calling it a career, he knows exactly what he'll be doing when his playing days eventually come to an end.
His true calling.

"I always had a connection with the students in my class that maybe were on that spectrum and were experiencing social and educational challenges," said McLain, who spent four years at Bowling Green University, studying to become special education teacher and intervention specialist, while at the same time honing his hockey skills.
"When I was a senior in high school, I had a social skills class and we worked in that field with some of the students in our grade. It was amazing to be a mentor and build that relationship, and ever since that experience, all I've ever wanted to do was be a special ed teacher."
Truly, truly impressive.
A lot of players that go the college route either get wrapped up in general studies, a 'business' program of some sort, or are unable to complete their degrees because the NHL comes calling.
McLain, though, was never one of the 'stars.'
The Baxter, Minn. product made a name for himself with the BCHL's Langley Rivermen in 2013-14, leading the squad with 24 goals and 36 helpers in 57 games before committing to Bowling Green. There, he carved out a superb collegiate career, even leading the team in scoring in his junior year (33 points in 40 games), before being named captain for his final loop of the WCHA circuit.
The 6-foot-1, 213-lb. centre was never drafted to the NHL - but that hasn't stopped him from pursuing that goal as diligently as the rest.
"'Relentless,'" McLain laughed when asked to summarize his journey. "It hasn't been easy anywhere I've been and nothing's been given. And that's OK. It keeps me hungry and that's when I'm playing my best, when my back's against the wall. Honestly, it's something I enjoy doing."

McLain is entering his first year with the organization, signing a two-year, AHL deal with the Wranglers over the off-season after spending last year with the Milwaukee Admirals and establishing new career highs in goals (17) and points (23).
Now?
"This is as good as I've ever felt in my career," he says. "I put in a lot of work this summer. I had a couple different surgeries on the hand, so it really allowed me to focus more so on the cardio and the legs. I've always been a guy that loves the gym. It's one of those things where training is a little different or structured a little different, but really helped me focus on my physical condition.
"Last year, I got a little taste going to Nashville and Milwaukee, doing that being-a-new-guy thing and feeling it out. This year coming here, same excitement. It kind of makes you feel younger, like everything's fresh and you've got some eyes to impress. But you also get a fresh start. I think that's a really good thing and it's just been fun to be around so far."
McLain currently has an AHL deal, so it's unlikely we'll see him in Flames silks this season, barring an NHL contract coming to fruition at some point.
But that hasn't stopped the organization from giving him a look.
The 28-year-old will appear in his third preseason game tonight, playing left wing with Clark Bishop at centre and Walker Duehr on his opposite flank. McLain, who scored a beauty of a goal in Vancouver last week, is thankful for the opportunity and isn't taking this latest look-see for granted.
"When you get one chance and you don't do well, that's a big blow to the confidence," he said. "But if you go out there and do well like I have, you want more.
"I'm lucky to be around and get more from the coaching staff and the organization. It feels great."

With an assist and seven shots on goal to go along with that tidy tuck on the west coast, it's clear McLain is passionate about his craft.
On, and off the ice.
And the Flames are lucky to have a quality individual like this wearing the Flaming C again tonight.
"Hopefully I play enough hockey where - someday - I can get into coaching and if that's at the high-school level, then I'll be a teacher," he said. "Obviously, I love hockey, but that's something I've always been passionate about, too. I'll always have that connection with students and the (desire) to do some good.
"Hopefully during my hockey career I can keep volunteering in that field."