The Anaheim Ducks have announced that promising forward Roger McQueen has signed an amateur tryout contract. He will join their American Hockey League affiliate, the San Diego Gulls, for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. Although McQueen has not yet signed an entry-level contract with the Ducks, officials anticipate this will happen soon.
Ducks’ Excitement About McQueen
General Manager Pat Verbeek expressed enthusiasm about McQueen’s potential impact. He stated that McQueen’s transition to professional hockey comes after a strong freshman season at Providence College. Verbeek noted, “Roger will gain valuable experience playing additional games in San Diego, which will be an important step in his development.”
Key Career Highlights
Roger McQueen was selected 10th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft following impressive performances with the Brandon Wheat Kings in the Western Hockey League. He has taken advantage of revised NCAA rules allowing junior players to compete collegiately in the United States.
Impressive College Season
- Played for Providence College during the 2025 season.
- Scored 11 goals and made 16 assists in 36 games, totaling 27 points.
- Finished third in team scoring, behind notable NHL prospects.
- Awarded Hockey East Association’s Rookie of the Year and named to the all-rookie team.
Despite the team’s successful regular season, Providence faced difficulties in the postseason, losing to Merrimack in the Hockey East Tournament Quarterfinals. They were subsequently eliminated by Quinnipiac in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
International Accomplishments
On the international stage, McQueen has represented Canada multiple times. His highlights include:
- Playing for Canada White at the 2022 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge.
- Winning gold medals at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2024 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship.
Upcoming Play with San Diego Gulls
As McQueen joins the Gulls, the team currently stands with a record of 29 wins, 23 losses, 8 overtime losses, and 4 shootout losses. They are positioned seventh in the AHL’s Pacific Division, holding onto the last playoff spot. The remaining weeks of the regular season promise to provide McQueen with valuable experience in competitive hockey.
