Tom McCollum

Lore & Background

McCollum began playing goalie as a mite when his team's goaltender quit; he switched from defense and took over in net at the next practice. He was drafted by the Guelph Storm in the OHL draft and chose to play major junior there over a Junior A team near his hometown, citing the challenge of the OHL and support from Guelph residents. In his rookie season with the Storm, he was named an All-Star with five shutouts, a 2.39 goals-against average, and a .918 save percentage. He was nominated for OHL Goaltender of the Year and named the Storm's Academic Player of the Year. McCollum represented the United States at the 2009 World Junior Championships, finishing in fifth place.

Reader's Guide

McCollum's career with the Detroit Red Wings spanned seven years, during which he primarily played for their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. He ranks third all time among Griffins goaltenders in games played (159) and wins (69). In the 2015 Calder Cup playoffs, he became the first Griffins goalie to win five consecutive home playoff games and tied the franchise postseason record of five consecutive victories. McCollum earned his first NHL win on January 18, 2015, in relief, as the Red Wings rallied from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Buffalo Sabres 6-4. He was awarded the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award for his contributions to the Grand Rapids community during the 2014-15 season. After leaving the Red Wings as a free agent in 2016, he later returned via trade in 2017 before departing again and eventually moving to Europe in 2020.

Did You Know?

• McCollum started playing goalie after his mite team's goaltender quit; he switched from defense at the next practice.
• He was the first-ranked North American goaltender by NHL Central Scouting for the 2008 draft.
• McCollum earned his first NHL win in relief on January 18, 2015, after the Red Wings overcame a 3-0 deficit.
• He was awarded the AHL Man of the Year award for his community contributions in Grand Rapids during 2014-15.