Friends of McGill Hockey Podcast Channel Friends of McGill Hockey

Today's guest is Adam Pilotte, a Chateauguay, QC. native and fifth-year defenseman at McGill, currently studying Physical Education.

Before McGill, Pilotte played Jr. ‘A’ for the Yarmouth Mariners (MHL), Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL), and Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL). In his spare time, Adam currently runs his hockey school, Advanced Player Development. Pilotte would begin his collegiate career in 2018 and has since resembled the meaning of being a Redbird. Indeed a dedicated individual, “Piller” exemplifies a tenacious work effort that is unmatched. After his playing career, Pilotte aspires to pursue a career in coaching.

In this episode we discuss the importance of a good mentor, time management, coaching, and so much more!

Today's guest is Emanuel Vella (#30), a Toronto, Ont. native and fourth-year goaltender at McGill, currently in management (commerce).

Before McGill, Vella was drafted 47th overall by the London Knights in the third round of the 2014 OHL Priority Selection. In 2016, he was a member of the CHL Memorial Cup champion London Knights. He would go on to play in 95 games over five seasons with various OHL teams (London, Owen Sound, Mississauga, & Flint). Vella also attended the New York Islanders NHL Development Camp in 2018.

Vella would begin his collegiate career in 2019 and has since excelled in the classroom and on the ice. He was an Academic All-Canadian for posting over a 3.7 GPA in his first year. Last season (2021-2022), Emanuel took home the Albert Fyon Memorial Trophy, which has been presented since 1953 to the team's most improved player. The 6-foot-4, 191-pound goaltender saw duty in 13 of the team's 27 games, including all four playoff contests. He posted a 5-7 record, with a 2.68 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage.

Off the ice, Vella has a passion for finance and aspires to pursue a career in private equity after his completing his studies. Emanuel is a high-character, intelligent individual with many natural leadership characteristics. Looking to lead the team between the pipes once again this year, Vella is excited about his senior season.

In this episode, we discuss his career path in finance, 2022 play-off run, recruitment trip, and so much more!

For more info about Emanuel, check out: https://mcgillathletics.ca/sports/mens-ice-hockey/roster/emanuel-vella/11980

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/emanuel-vella-863490176

Today's guest is Michael Campoli, a recent winner of the TV Show Wall of Chefs (Season 2 - Episode 8).

Born in Point-Claire, QC., Michael began his college hockey career playing for the Boston College Eagles. After one season in the NCAA, he left to join and captain the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL until ultimately becoming a McGill Redbird in 2019. During his U Sports career, Michael scored two goals and four assists throughout 28 games.

Perhaps his most notable achievement came last week when he was a contestant on the Food Network's TV Show "Wall of Chefs." After completing three unique cooking challenges against four other competitors, the 24-year-old delivered under pressure and won the $10,000 cash grand prize.

Michael graduated from McGill (2021) with a degree in Economics and Finance. After his studies were complete, he was offered and accepted a full-time position as a financial advisor for Deloitte.

In this episode, we discuss his passion for cooking, experience on the TV show Wall of Chefs, and so much more!

Today’s guest is Brandon Skubel (#11), a second-year at McGill, studying Industrial Relations. 

Born in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON., Skubel joined the Redbirds in 2020 after playing three seasons for the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the QMJHL, where he registered 41 goals and 74 assists in 178 games. 

The six-foot, 205-pound power forward has scored 4 goals and 1 assist through 9 games this season. Skubel was also recently named McGill's athlete of the week on December 5th after his hat-trick performance in the Corey Cup victory over the Concordia Stingers. 

Off the ice, Brandon exuberates an entrepreneurial spirit and is an avid learner. As if balancing hockey and his course-load wasn't enough, Brandon also can be found trying to grow his business as the owner/operator of Student Works Painting in the Niagara region. 

In this episode, we discuss his incredible work ethic, intriguing hockey career path, and so much more! 

For more info about Brandon, check out: https://mcgillathletics.ca/sports/mens-ice-hockey/roster/brandon-skubel/9859 

Season interrupted: NOTL's Brandon Skubel plays hockey for McGill: https://www.niagaranow.com/news.phtml/5492-season-interrupted-notls-brandon-skubel-plays-hockey-for-mcgill

Today’s guest is Alexandre Gagnon, a second-year at McGill, studying Physical Education.

Born in Gatineau, QC., Gagnon captained the Cote-du-Sud Everest of the LHJAAAQ where he registered 67 points in 38 games. The five-eleven 176-pound forward joined the McGill Redbirds in 2020.

Gagnon is a speedy and tenacious forward that has tallied 1 goal and 2 assists through 12 games so far in his USPORTS career. Off the ice, Alex is a hard-working individual with great time-management and leadership skills. Alex's brother, Mathieu, has committed to play for the Redbirds next year and is currently the captain of Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL).

In this episode, we discuss his insane fitness testing score, adjustments to taking classes in English, and so much more!

Also, it was a great week for McGill alumni Louis-Philip Guindon (2016-2021) and Ryan Penny (2018-2021). 

For more info about Alexandre, go to: https://mcgillathletics.ca/sports/mens-ice-hockey/roster/alexandre-gagnon/9849

McGill hockey grad Guindon wins first AHL start, deep in the heart of Texas: https://mcgillathletics.ca/news/2022/1/29/mens-hockey-mcgill-hockey-grad-guindon-wins-first-ahl-start-as-laval-edges-texas.aspx

Four goal penny leads blaze to victory: https://www.coventryblaze.co.uk/2022/01/24/four-goal-penny-leads-blaze-to-victory/

Today’s guest is Taylor Ford, a fourth-year at McGill, studying Education.

Born in St. Lazare, QC., Ford was drafted 38th overall by the Halifax Mooseheads in the second round of the 2013 QMJHL Draft before being traded to the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, where he netted over 240 QMJHL games. The six-foot 195-pound defensemen joined the McGill Redbirds in 2018, where he currently serves as an alternate captain. 

Ford brings a physical presence to the lineup while recording 7 points and 58 penalty minutes as a valued teammate in 63 games. Aside from his on-ice contribution, Taylor also has a passion for sharing his love of the game with today’s youth. With over eight years of experience coaching hockey at the minor level, Taylor aspires to combine his education and hockey experiences to influence the next generation of athletes. In this episode, we discuss his decision to major in Education, his experiences so far at McGill, his aspirations to play professional hockey, and so much more! 

For more info about Taylor, go to: https://mcgillathletics.ca/sports/mens-ice-hockey/roster/taylor-ford/9847