In an exclusive one-on-one interview with RG.org, the projected No. 1 pick overall at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, James Hagens, touched on a variety of topics. From his days growing up playing hockey on Long Island and cheering on John Tavares to arriving in Boston to play for Boston College and looking ahead to representing USA Hockey at the 2025 World Junior Championships in Ottawa this December, Hagens continues to be grateful for all the game of hockey has given to him.
More from Hagens with James Murphy:
When did you first know you wanted to be a hockey player?
“I think I first stepped on the ice when I was three,” Hagens recalled. “My Dad put me out there on the ice with my brother, and I saw my brother start skating. I wanted to get right into it, too, and it started from there. Then, growing up, especially around seven or eight years old, I just started to love hockey. As I got older, there was nothing better than coming home from school, going to the rink, and practicing.
It wasn’t even about the games, and it never really has been. It was just going out there, being on the ice, being with your teammates, and enjoying the game.
"That’s still a big part of it to me. I just love the game of hockey. Then, as I got older, my Dad reminded me that if I wanted to play college hockey or beyond that, I always needed to be out in the backyard shooting pucks and get on the ice as much as I could. Luckily, that’s exactly what I wanted to do, and I guess it’s working out now.”
How has your love for the game helped you to get to this point:
“That’s just something that’s never gone away,” Hagens said. “I just love hockey. I love being around the rink. I love learning something new every day, whether it’s from my coaches, watching videos, or just trying new things on the ice. That’s always been that way for me, and I think that’s why I’m at Boston College right now. I’m super grateful.”
Finding Inspiration in the Pros
How did you develop your hockey sense and instinct?
“Growing up playing for my Dad - who coached me - and my buddy Tanner Adams’ Dad, they made sure they taught us how to play hockey the right way,” Hagens said. “You never want to be the guy that’s out there, and no one wants to play with, and you’re not making the right play or being selfish. I learned from them that you need to enjoy being on the ice and make sure your teammates are doing the same and want to be around you".
What player did you try to emulate growing up?
“I grew up watching Patrick Kane pretty closely,” Hagens said. “I would watch all those YouTube videos of him as a kid: those shootout goals and all the highlights. I have always loved his shot; he played a big part in why I love hockey, too.
"Also, being an Islanders fan growing up on Long Island, I grew up focused on John Tavares, too. He was a big fan favorite in my family, and everyone loved him. It was tough when he left, but I understand why he went back home.”
Looking Ahead: Team USA and the 2025 NHL Draft
What does it mean to you to play for Team USA at the 2025 World Juniors?
“Anytime you can do it, it’s such an honor to wear your country’s logo on your chest,” Hagens said. “It’s about understanding all the things others have done to sacrifice for us and give us this freedom and opportunity to represent them and our country. You don't always think about that in everyday life, but we are so fortunate to go to school, walk down the rink, and do what we love every day.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to put on my country’s logo and play against other countries on an international stage.”
What’s it like playing for such a prestigious program like Boston College?
“It’s just a really cool feeling and amazing opportunity to play for a program like Boston College,” Hagens said. “This is a great group of guys, too, and we’re excited about what we can do here, so I’m just really grateful to be here. Obviously, having my brother here and guys like Gabe Perrault and Ryan Leonard, who I know and have played with, and just the entire team, we’re already like a big family and really excited.”
