by Nicole Del Villano | AHL On The Beat
On January 9, the Cleveland Monsters are ahead Owen Sillinger took the step onto the ice at Nationwide Arena and racked up several notable numbers – including becoming the 10th Bemidji State University player to skate in an NHL game and, at age 27, becoming the eighth-oldest player in Columbus Blue Jackets history to make the NHL his first.
He also became the third Sillinger to play for Columbus following his brother and current forward, Coleand his father Mike who played from 2001-03.
But for Owen, every step he took led to a feeling and a moment he would never forget. When he thought back on which part of his debut stood out the most to him, the answer came quickly.
“I took my first hat off when I started,” Sillinger said. “Just being with all the boys I was able to do with the organization I signed my first professional contract with. You are [in the organization] three years and being able to step on that ice… to have those people by my side is very special.”
Sillinger’s impact was felt when the Blue Jackets defeated the Seattle Kraken, 6-2, but it was the start of a whirlwind weekend. The forward made the drive back to Cleveland and promptly returned to the Monsters’ lineup the next night.
“It was full of emotions. “My first reaction was joy,” said Sillinger. “I was so happy and proud to get to Columbus, win that hockey game and have that night that I got.”
After a 5-0 loss to Laval in Sillinger’s return, the Monsters responded with a 2-1 overtime victory — with Sillinger scoring the game-winning goal 1:37 into the extra frame.
“Scoring the winner in overtime was a big confidence booster and it’s big for this team. It has been good so far to continue this,” he said.
The ability to meet the challenge of that third out of three weekend was a testament to Sillinger’s growth since becoming champion in 2021. He improved his game with Cleveland, became a part of special teams and improved his five. -play with five.
“As the years have gone on, I’ve gotten more and more roles every year and that’s come from maturity and being part of the team for a long time,” Sillinger said. “The coaching staff was open to me about what they needed. I think the biggest thing is that they put me in positions where I can succeed.”
Sillinger’s growth has continued off the ice in the locker room as he is now on the Monsters’ leadership team after being named captain for 2024-25. The forward is returning to the lessons he learned along the way, especially expanding on the ups and downs he experienced during his time in Cleveland. The main goal is to make another run at the Calder Cup after the Monsters were eliminated in Game 7 of the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals.
“AHL is a high level league, you can’t take it lightly. “Every day you have to get better and better,” Sillinger said. “That’s what this leading group fights for and agrees to be better, to make mistakes. [Every team wants] an opportunity to go after the Calder Cup, which is the goal of everyone in this locker room.”
Preaching team spirit and camaraderie is nothing new for Sillinger, who has been playing hockey his entire life. Some of his earliest memories can be traced back to when his dad played in the NHL and feeling that atmosphere in the locker room.
Hockey and the Sillinger family go hand in hand, whether it’s at the games of father Mike or his sons Owen, Cole and Lukas – currently playing at Arizona State. Additionally, hockey has brought the Sillinger family closer together over the years.
“I think it has hurt all three children, especially the mother (Karla) traveling the world with three boys,” said Sillinger. “What they have given us and what they have given us is unbelievable.”
With a daily group chat between the Sillinger brothers and a weekly FaceTime to his parents, every moment and accomplishment of the Monsters forward — including the whirlwind weekend he found himself a part of — is nothing but family.
“Having them by my side and them being happy for me is everything I’ve worked for,” said Sillinger. “Seeing the smiles on their faces and hearing that they are proud of me means a lot.”
