In the world of college hockey, leadership is not just given; it is earned. For the Dartmouth Big Green men’s ice hockey team, a new leader has emerged. His name is Tucker McRae. His journey to becoming captain is a story of hard work, respect, and a deep love for the game.
Becoming a captain, especially for a prestigious Ivy League team, is a tremendous honor. It means you are more than just a good player. You are the heart of the team. You are the person everyone looks up to. This article explores how Tucker McRae earned this vital role and what it means for the future of Dartmouth hockey.
The Early Days: A Foundation in Hockey
Tucker McRae grew up in Calgary, Canada, a place where hockey is a way of life. Like many Canadian kids, he spent his childhood on the ice. He skated on outdoor rinks, frozen ponds, and local lakes. Hockey was everywhere, and it quickly became his passion. This early start built a strong foundation for his skills and his character.
Before coming to Dartmouth, he played junior hockey. He played for the Okotoks Oilers in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). His time there was very successful. In the 2021-22 season, he played 58 games and showed his strength as a defenseman. He was so good that he was named the team’s Defenseman of the Year. This experience in a competitive league prepared him for the challenges of college hockey. It was here that his leadership qualities began to shine.
Arriving at Dartmouth: A Program in Transition
When Tucker McRae joined the Dartmouth Big Green as a freshman, the team was going through a tough time. They were not one of the top teams in college hockey. But things were about to change. A new head coach, Reid Cashman, arrived in 2022. Coach Cashman brought experience from his time with the NHL’s Washington Capitals.
The team began focusing on getting better every single day. The players, including Tucker McRae, bought into this new mindset. They decided to change the program’s direction themselves. They focused on minor improvements and stayed present in their daily tasks. This dedication started to pay off. The team transformed from one of the worst into a true contender.
A Reputation for Hard Work and Respect
From his first day on campus, Tucker McRae stood out not just for his skills on the ice. He showed up every day with the same positive mindset. He worked hard in practice, in the gym, and in his studies. This consistency did not go unnoticed by his teammates or his coaches.
He faced challenges, including injuries. But his persistence never wavered. He kept showing up, ready to contribute in any way he could. This built a tremendous amount of respect in the locker room. His teammates saw him as genuine and selfless. They knew he cared about the team more than himself. This is the mark of a true leader.
Assistant captain Alex Krause described him perfectly. He said, “Tucker is the heart and soul of our team. He’s probably the most respected guy in our room. We all love Tucker and we’ll follow him wherever he goes.” This kind of trust from your peers is what makes a captain effective.
The Making of a Captain: More Than Just a Title
Being named captain is a formal recognition of the leadership a player already shows. For Tucker McRae, the choice was clear to everyone. His teammates elected him. They saw him as fearless and dedicated. Coach Cashman praised his ability to communicate between the players and the coaching staff. This is a vital skill for a captain.
McRae understands the responsibility that comes with the captain’s “C” on his jersey. He learned a lot from the previous captains, Sean Chisholm and Steven Townley. They created a culture of pride in playing for Dartmouth. Tucker McRae plans to continue building on that foundation.
He has high expectations for himself and his teammates. Tucker McRae believes everyone must be on the same page and hold each other to a high standard. He knows he is not the only leader. Tucker McRae points out that many older players lead in their own ways. This creates a strong leadership group that younger players can look up to.
A Leader on the Ice: Key Contributions
Tucker McRae is a defenseman. His job is to protect his own goal, and he does it very well. In his sophomore year, he had 43 blocked shots, the second-best on the team. This shows his willingness to put his body on the line for his team. As a junior, he remained a solid presence, blocking 28 shots in 26 games.
His stats tell part of the story. However, his impact is much bigger. He brings a calm and steady presence to the defense. Tucker McRae communicates well and elevates the players around him. He is not always the one scoring goals. However, his work is essential to the team’s success. He scored his first college goal as a freshman and has contributed assists throughout his career. His value comes from his reliability and his imaginative play.
The Team’s Future with Captain McRae
With Tucker McRae as captain, the Dartmouth Big Green is in good hands. The team is coming off a season in which it won the Ivy League Championship. Now, they have their sights set even higher. They want to compete for the ECAC title and the NCAA national championship.
McRae’s leadership style focuses on the process. He wants the team to focus on the task at hand and improve every day. This approach helped turn the program around, and it is the key to their future success.
The team has a strong leadership group around him. Eric Charpentier, CJ Foley, Alex Krause, and Cam MacDonald were all named assistant captains. Together, they will guide the team as it defends its Ivy League title. The season opener on November 1st will be the first test of this new era.
Read my feature on Breaking the Mold: Matthew Gaudreau’s Standout Success.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What position does Tucker McRae play?
Tucker McRae is a defenseman for the Dartmouth men’s ice hockey team.
2. Where is Tucker McRae from?
He is from Calgary, Alberta, in Canada.
3. What year is Tucker McRae at Dartmouth?
He is a senior in the Class of 2026 for the 2025-26 season.
4. Who is the head coach of the Dartmouth men’s hockey team?
The head coach is Reid Cashman, who joined the program in 2022.
5. What are some of Tucker McRae’s key leadership qualities?
His key qualities are his strong work ethic, persistence, selflessness, and the respect he has earned from his teammates.
