Decision to lead new lifestyle has positive results

Craig McCallum will readily tell people that he was no angel during his teen years.

But now he is hoping that he is inspiring others by living alcohol- and drug-free and playing an elite level of hockey.

McCallum, a 22-year-old Cree who grew up on the Canoe Lake First Nation, is a sophomore forward with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.

Last year McCallum was chosen as the best male rookie athlete from all of the Huskies’ sports teams - no doubt one of the biggest honours for him since turning his life around.

He said he started drinking and doing drugs when he was about 14.

“I didn’t make the best choices in my life,” McCallum said.

But one of his wisest moves came when he was 17. After a night of heavy drinking and smoking marijuana, McCallum said he decided he had enough of that lifestyle.

So he quit cold turkey. And he said he hasn’t had a drink or done drugs in the five years since.

McCallum is the only member of the Huskies’ hockey squad that does not drink. But that doesn’t prevent him from enjoying his university days.

“We all go out to parties and have fun,” he said. “But no one tries to pressure me (into drinking).”

McCallum doesn’t mind sharing his personal stories when he is helping out at hockey schools or when he meets young Aboriginal players.

“I guess I consider myself a positive role model,” said McCallum, who usually asks to give the life lessons talk at various hockey schools and camps.

McCallum is enrolled in the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program. He eventually wants to become a teacher.

But he hasn’t ruled out a career in pro hockey.

“I want to play my five years here,” he said of his eligibility in the university ranks. “When I get out I’ll be in my prime.”

As a result he is hoping to follow in the footsteps of many other Canadian Interuniversity Sport players who have gone on to pro-hockey careers.

“It is important to note that a lot of the better players in the CIS have numerous opportunities to play pro-hockey here in North America or Europe,” said Huskies’ coach Dave Adolph. “And they do it with a degree to fall back on. Craig will have that opportunity if he so chooses.”
Adolph has been impressed with McCallum’s play since McCallum joined the squad last season.

“He is a very consistent player who performs at a high level regularly,” Adolph said. “He is in tremendous shape and is very dedicated. So I think we get Craig’s best on most nights.”

As a rookie with the Huskies, McCallum had 14 points in 23 games. This season he had seven points, including three goals, in his first 13 matches.

The Huskies were also off to a solid start. The club posted a 9-2-2 record in its first 13 contests. With its 20 points, the squad was tied with the Manitoba Bisons for second place in the seven-team Canada West Universities Athletic Association.

The Huskies and Bisons were just two points behind the front-running Alberta Golden Bears.