Hugh McGing Bio
Hugh McGing (born July 11, 1998) is an American professional ice hockey center who plays for the Springfield Thunderbirds of the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect for the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League (NHL). Listed at 5 feet 9 inches and around 175 pounds, McGing is a smaller forward known for his speed, skill, and offensive instincts. He was drafted 138th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft after a standout collegiate career with the Western Michigan Broncos.
Early Life and Background
Hugh McGing was born on July 11, 1998, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents James and Breda McGing. He grew up in a hockey household, with two older brothers, Liam and James, who both played the sport. This family environment helped shape his early interest in the game and provided daily exposure to the skills and culture of ice hockey from a young age.
McGing began his minor ice hockey career with the Niles Rangers before moving to travel hockey with the Park Ridge Northern Express. He later played AAA hockey with Team Illinois, the Chicago Young Americans, and the Chicago Mission at the 14U and 16U levels in the High Performance Hockey League. In 2014, he signed a United States Hockey League (USHL) pre-draft tender with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, a significant commitment that saw the RoughRiders give up their first-round draft pick to secure his rights.
Path to Professional Hockey
During his second season with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, McGing signed a National Letter of Intent to play collegiate hockey at Western Michigan University. He joined the Western Michigan Broncos for the 2016–17 season, entering as the youngest player on the roster. As a freshman standing 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 155 pounds, he made his collegiate debut on October 5 against the Ferris State Bulldogs and scored his first collegiate goal against the Miami RedHawks. He helped the Broncos qualify for the 2017 NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament and was later named to the NCHC Scholar-Athlete Team for maintaining a GPA of 3.50 or higher.
Hugh McGing Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
McGing’s sophomore season with the Western Michigan Broncos marked his breakout at the collegiate level. He finished the year with a career-high 30 points in 36 games, including a three-game point streak in which he posted seven points against Michigan State and the Denver Pioneers. His play earned him the Rob Hodge Most Valuable Player Award, shared with teammate Dawson DiPietro, along with NCHC All-Academic and NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete honors for his 3.71 GPA.
On December 5, 2017, McGing was named to the preliminary roster for the United States men’s national junior ice hockey team that would compete in the 2018 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. That summer, he was drafted 138th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and was invited to their Prospect Camp, signaling the organization’s belief in his long-term potential.
Western Michigan Broncos Breakthrough (2018–2020)
Returning to the Broncos for his junior year, McGing played in all 37 games and recorded 11 goals and 20 points, earning Second Team All-NCHC honors. He was also named an NCAA Statistical Champion for short-handed goals after finishing with three short-handed goals, tying with eight other players nationally.
His senior season, shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, became his most accomplished. Named captain before the year began and placed on the 2019-20 NCHC Preseason All-Conference Team, McGing led the team with 13 goals and 22 assists for 35 points, including his first collegiate hat-trick in an 8–4 win over the Miami RedHawks. He was one of 20 NCAA men’s ice hockey student-athletes named a candidate for the 2019-20 Senior CLASS Award. On March 20, 2020, he concluded his collegiate career with 117 points in 146 regular-season games and signed a two-year, two-way entry-level contract with the St. Louis Blues. He was named a First Team All-American, becoming the first Bronco since defenseman Wayne Gagné in 1987 to earn that distinction and the 11th overall in program history.
Springfield Thunderbirds Era (2021–Present)
After attending the St. Louis Blues training camp ahead of the 2020–21 season, McGing was re-assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, where he began his professional career. On February 17, 2021, he recorded his first professional point in a 5–2 win over the Syracuse Crunch, an early marker of his offensive potential at the professional level.
McGing has since continued his development with the Blues’ AHL system and is currently playing for the Springfield Thunderbirds. He remains a prospect for the St. Louis Blues and has worked to translate his collegiate scoring touch into consistent production in the AHL.
Driving Style and Strengths
McGing is widely recognized as a skilled, undersized forward who relies on speed, quickness, and high hockey IQ to compete against larger opponents. His offensive instincts and playmaking ability were central to his success at Western Michigan, where he served as a primary scoring engine and captain. His combination of skill, leadership, and work ethic has helped him overcome the physical limitations that often come with his frame.
Notable Events and Milestones
McGing’s career has featured several defining milestones, including being named the first Western Michigan First Team All-American since 1987 and earning co-MVP honors with the Rob Hodge Award during his sophomore season. His first collegiate hat-trick and the conclusion of his college career with 117 points in 146 games highlight his consistent offensive growth. Reaching the professional ranks and recording his first AHL point in 2021 marked the transition from standout amateur to working professional prospect.
Hugh McGing Career Highlights
Across his amateur and professional career, Hugh McGing has compiled a strong record of offensive production and leadership recognition. He played four seasons with the Western Michigan Broncos, finishing with 117 points in 146 regular-season games, and was a First Team All-American and team captain in his final year. He has continued his development in the AHL with the Blues’ affiliates.
Collegiate Highlights
McGing’s college career peaked with his senior season, when he led Western Michigan with 35 points and was named a First Team All-American. Earlier, he posted a career-high 30 points as a sophomore and won the Rob Hodge MVP Award. He also earned NCHC All-Academic and Scholar-Athlete honors for his work in the classroom.
Professional Highlights
Since turning professional in 2021, McGing has progressed through the St. Louis Blues’ AHL system, recording his first professional point on February 17, 2021, against the Syracuse Crunch. He continues to develop with the Springfield Thunderbirds as a Blues prospect.
Hugh McGing Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Hugh McGing was raised in Chicago, Illinois, by his parents, James and Breda McGing. He has two older brothers, Liam and James, both of whom played hockey. Growing up in a hockey-focused family played a major role in his development and his path toward a career in the sport.
Personal Life
McGing continues to focus on his professional hockey career as a prospect in the St. Louis Blues organization. Public information about his personal relationships and family life beyond his parents and brothers remains limited.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Hugh McGing remains a prospect within the St. Louis Blues organization and continues his development with the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL. His focus is on building consistent offensive production and earning greater responsibility within the team’s lineup.
As an undersized forward, McGing’s path to the NHL depends on demonstrating that his speed and skill can translate into reliable two-way play at the AHL level. His prior college scoring record and leadership experience provide a strong foundation, and the 2025 season represents another opportunity to showcase his growth.
With the Blues continually evaluating their prospect pipeline, a strong 2025 campaign could position McGing for his first NHL opportunity. His combination of offensive instincts, character, and work ethic make him a prospect to watch within the organization’s forward group.