By: Nicole Del VeranoAHL Rhythm
January 9, Cleveland Monsters forward Owen Silinger He took a step forward on the ice at Nationwide Arena and put up several notable statistics, including becoming the 10th Bemidji State player to play in an NHL game and becoming the first Columbus player to play in an NHL game at age 27. The eighth-oldest player in Columbus Blue Jackets history to skate.
He also becomes the third Silinger to play for Columbus, following his brother and current forward. rapeand his father microphone Players from 2001-03.
But for Irving, everything that came with this step led to a feeling and moment he’ll never forget. The answer came quickly when he thought back to the most impressive part of his debut.
“The first lap was done with my helmet off,” Silinger said. “Just being around all the guys and being able to do it with the organization that I signed my first professional contract with. To be. [in the organization] To be able to step on the ice for three years…and have these guys on my side is pretty special.
Silinger’s impact was felt when the Blue Jackets defeated the Seattle Kraken 6-2, but that was just the beginning of a whirlwind weekend. The forward drove back to Cleveland and was immediately back in the Monsters’ lineup the next night.
“It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions. My first emotion was joy,” Silinger said. “I was so excited and proud to be able to get to Columbus, win that hockey game and have the night that I did.”
After Silinger returned, the Monsters lost 5-0 to Laval, but the Monsters won 2-1 in overtime, with Silinger scoring the winning goal at 1:37 of overtime.
“Scoring the winning goal in overtime was huge for my confidence, but also for this team. It’s been great to keep going so far,” he said.
The ability to take on three-quarters of a weekend challenge is a testament to the growth Silinger has made since turning pro in 2021. Abilities – Five-a-side game.
“I’ve gotten more roles every year as time goes on, and that just comes with me maturing and being on the team for so long,” Silinger said. “The coaching staff was very transparent with what I wanted. I think the most important thing is that they put me in a position to be successful.
Silinger also continues to grow in the locker room and is now a member of the Monsters’ leadership team after being named an alternate captain for the 2024-25 season. The forward reflected on the lessons he’s learned along the way, especially based on the highs and lows he experienced in Cleveland. The biggest goal for the top seed is to advance again in the Calder Cup after being eliminated in Game 7 of the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals.
“The AHL is a great league and you can’t take it for granted. Every day you have to get better and better,” Silinger said. “That’s why this leadership team holds each other accountable and allows each other to get better and make mistakes. [Every team wants] A chance to compete for the Calder Cup, that’s the goal of everyone in the locker room.
For Silinger, who has played hockey his entire life, promoting a team environment and camaraderie is nothing new. Some of his first memories date back to when his father was playing in the NHL and feeling the atmosphere in the locker room.
Whether it’s in his father Mike’s career or in his sons Irving, Cole and Lucas – Currently playing at Arizona State University. Additionally, hockey has brought the Silinger family closer together over time.
“I think it affected all three of our kids, especially my mom (Kara) traveling the world with three boys,” Silinger said. “What she gave to us and what she gave up was incredible.”
The Silinger brothers have daily group chats and weekly FaceTime calls with their parents, and every moment and accomplishment of the monster forward — including the whirlwind weekend he found himself a part of — is nothing without his family.
“Having them around me and getting them excited for me is all I do,” Silinger said. “It means a lot to see the smiles on their faces and hear how proud they are of me.”
