Forward Malcolm Spence #17 of Team CHL (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)
Making the decision between major junior and NCAA hockey is one of the biggest crossroads for many rising hockey stars. For Malcolm Spence, a top prospect with eyes on the NHL, the choice came down to more than just ice time and development—it was about becoming a winner on and off the ice.
After a playoff run that tested his mental game and resilience, Spence made a bold decision: He’s heading to Michigan. Spence could have taken the traditional CHL-to-pro path, but instead, he’s betting on the NCAA. After a year of pushing through adversity and learning from high-stakes hockey, the former Erie forward is choosing to grow his game—and himself—in a new environment.
For him, Michigan isn’t just a top program—it’s a place where winning, development, and personal growth all matter. From past teammates and longtime friends to lessons learned on the ice and in the room, Spence opens up about what made the choice so clear and what’s driving him ahead of the NHL Draft in an exclusive interview with RG.
Choosing to Go to the NCAA
The 2024–25 OHL playoffs were a turning point for Spence. Facing the powerhouse London Knights in the second round gave him a close-up look at what separates contenders from the rest.
“I think as a team, we obviously faced some adversity off and on the ice, especially playing London in the second round, which ultimately ended our season,” said Spence to RG. “I think that winning mentality that London has, that win-at-all-costs mentality, is something I’d like to develop further in my game.”
That experience shaped his thinking as he looked toward his next step. He didn’t just want to go somewhere to rack up points—he wanted a program that mirrored that “win-at-all-costs” mindset, one that builds winners, not just stat lines.
“That’s part of the reason I’m going to Michigan, because I know they have that. Erie had that environment, especially last year.
You want to go somewhere where winning is the priority. You want to win and develop and have fun at the same time, because when you’re winning, you’re having fun,” explained Spence.
Michigan, for Spence, represented a blend of high performance and strong culture. It’s not just about making it to the NHL—it’s about thriving once you get there. And that means being ready for the grind.
“Michigan is such a prestigious program,” added Spence. “They’ve produced the most current NHL players of any college team, so that’s obviously something you want to be a part of, and that’s why I’m really excited to get going there.”
That track record wasn’t lost on him. In fact, it cemented his decision. Spence doesn’t just want to reach the league—he wants to last in it. And that, he believes, starts with learning how to win the right way.
Beyond on-ice performance, the NCAA schedule and facilities offer something Spence is hungry for: time and tools to build his body. A heavier game and tougher opponents require next-level preparation.
“I think, just for me as a player in general, it’s about being able to get to the size that I’m going to play at in the NHL. I’m a bigger guy, and I went into the season at 200 lbs, but I didn’t finish the season at that number,” continued Spence. “I lost quite a bit of weight just based on injury and stuff, which is normal. And I think a big aspect of it is being able to learn how to get the right food on the road and being able to lift more often than not in the NCAA versus the OHL.”
In a league with fewer games and more time in the weight room, Spence sees a real opportunity to fill out his frame and fine-tune his habits. And while some players want the CHL’s pro-like grind, Spence is focused on sharpening his tools first—so he’s ready when that grind comes for real.
Familiar Faces in Michigan
It wasn’t just the coaching, development, and reputation that drew Spence to Michigan—it was the people. Familiarity matters when you’re starting something new. When you’re moving across provinces or states, joining a new locker room, and adjusting to a new pace of life, having a few familiar faces in your corner can make all the difference.
“I know some guys that are going there currently and that have been there, and all have had nothing but good things to say,” said Spence.
Those conversations stuck with him. Hearing firsthand accounts from players who had already experienced life in Ann Arbor helped Spence feel like he wasn’t walking into the unknown. Instead, he was joining a well-worn path carved out by players he trusted.
That input helped him feel confident in his choice. He wasn’t just signing on with a top program—he was joining a team where he already had connections and trust.
“So after that, it was a really easy decision for me, my family, and my agent to make that decision and say, ‘Hey, this is where I want to spend my next few years to develop as a human being and a player,’” added Spence.
There was comfort in that decision. But more than comfort—it brought clarity. Spence wasn’t just thinking about where he could grow as a player. He was thinking about where he could thrive as a person, surrounded by like-minded teammates and familiar camaraderie.
One of those connections? Childhood friend and Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael Hage.
“I actually grew up with Michael Hage, just down the street from each other. We’ve had the opportunity to play against each other and play with each other in spring hockey and winter hockey and whatnot,” explained Spence.
That long history helped cement his decision. When you’ve spent years watching someone’s habits, seeing how they carry themselves on and off the ice, it adds another layer of trust.
Their bond went beyond shared ice time—it was a friendship built on mutual respect, and it made the decision even easier.
“So I know his talents. I’ve grown up with Mike and we’re really close friends. He was definitely a big factor in me deciding to go to Michigan, and playing on the same team as him is a great opportunity,” continued Spence.
And it wasn’t just Hage. Michigan has become a hub for elite talent, attracting a steady stream of top-tier players from around North America. For Spence, that meant reuniting with teammates from Hockey Canada and familiar faces from the OHL.
“There’s also Henry (Mews). We’ve played together, and we’ve had success over in Europe playing with Hockey Canada,” added Spence. “I think knowing some of the guys going in was definitely a huge factor in making the decision, because I’d obviously like to know who I’m playing with there.”
That sense of community and shared history makes the transition smoother and the goals clearer. For Spence, it’s about building something great with people he already trusts.
Growth in His Game
Spence isn’t just looking at the next year—he’s thinking about the player he’ll be three years from now. His goal-scoring showed flashes this season, and now he wants to add more dimensions to his game. The jump to college will bring new challenges, and he’s embracing them head-on.
“This year, I think I got the opportunity to show off my goal-scoring ability a bit more. I was really happy with that, but not content,” explained Spence. “I think there’s opportunity for me to get more, and that’s what I’m going to develop and do.”
That mindset—never satisfied, always evolving—is what separates the good from the great. Spence isn’t chasing stats. He’s focused on development that lasts, on becoming a player coaches can trust in every situation.
“I’m never going to chase points. I’m just going to chase playing my game because I know when I’m playing well, everything else will kind of fall into place,” added Spence.
“I know when I’m playing well, that helps put my team in a position to win, and that’s all I care about.”
To refine his own approach, he studies the pros. He zeroes in on players who quietly drive winning—those who can slot into any role, contribute in every zone, and play with purpose.
“I watch a lot of Carter Verhaeghe on Florida; I really like his game. He’s a fast player, and he plays on their first line, but I know he could also play on their third line. He can play a checking role, and he can also be a guy who’s going to contribute offensively,” Spence said.
Verhaeghe’s ability to adapt is exactly what Spence wants to build into his game: smart, effective hockey no matter the line or matchup.
“He’s great around the net. He’s got a great shot, he plays up and down really well, and he’s around the same size as me. I really like his game,” Spence said.
Another influence? Matt Boldy. The Minnesota forward’s combination of skill, size, and vision provides another blueprint.
“I’ve also been watching a lot of Matt Boldy as well,” added Spence. “He’s super skilled, and he’s long, and I like his game a lot. So I think probably those two guys are the guys I watch most.”
Preparing for the NHL Draft
With the draft around the corner, Spence is staying grounded. He’s not obsessing over rankings or projections. He’s focused on being himself and showing teams the full picture—both on and off the ice.
“I think when you look at rankings and stuff, you can watch a guy and judge his play, and you can have these guys that will have you ranked at certain places,” said Spence. “But I’m just excited about the combine because I’m excited for guys to meet me as a human being.”
He knows the draft is just one moment in a much bigger journey. The rankings may shift, but his values won’t. He wants teams to know who he is behind the stats.
“I think there are things that go unseen when you’re on the ice. You can judge a guy by how many goals he scores and whatnot, but you should also be judging a guy on whether he’s a leader in the room and stuff like that,” explained Spence.
For Spence, character is non-negotiable. He wants to be a great player, but more than that, he wants to be a great teammate.
Ultimately, he just wants to land with an organization that believes in him, not just for what he does on the ice, but for who he is off it.
“If a team likes me for who I am, they’re going to pick me. And that’s all that matters to me—going to a team that wants to develop me and whatnot and get to know me as a person, and be in it for the long run with me,” said Spence.
As for pressure? Bring it on. He’s not here for hype—he’s here for the love of the game. The spotlight doesn’t scare him—it motivates him.
“I think it’s a treat to play in those places (with pressure), because of how much the game is loved there and appreciated. I haven’t dealt with it nearly as much as some of those NHL guys, so I can’t speak about what I would do because I’m not in that situation,” Spence concluded. “But I just know that you play the game of hockey because you love it. I think it’s just about remembering that you play the game because you love the game. You don’t play it for anyone else but yourself, your family, and your team.”
In the end, Malcolm Spence isn’t just preparing for the next level—he’s making sure he’s ready to thrive when he gets there. From surrounding himself with familiar faces to modeling his game after versatile NHLers, every decision is grounded in purpose.
He’s not chasing headlines or rankings; he’s investing in becoming a complete player and an even better teammate. Wherever he’s selected, it won’t just be about potential—it’ll be about character, connection, and a relentless drive to keep growing. For Spence, the draft is just the beginning of something much bigger.
Marco D'Amico is a beat reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft, while also being a recurring guest on TSN690 and BPM Sports. His work primarily on NHL CBA breakdowns and prospect analysis, all while covering the Montreal Canadiens on a day-to-day basis.
