2021 was a year to remember for Ben McCartney.

The Macdonald, Manitoba product has played hockey at three separate levels this year, finishing second in the WHL in scoring in his final season with the Brandon Wheat Kings. McCartney says it was a unique experience to play in the WHL's bubble and adds it was the perfect send-off for him.

"The year before, we had a really good hockey club, and COVID shut that season down. So, being able to end first in our division, in my eyes, that was the WHL Championship as it's the only thing we could've won," McCartney explains. "It was cool to end it off like that, especially after playing for Brandon for four years. That's a place I call home now. It was really special and something I won't forget."

Right after his bubble experience, the local forward got a taste of pro hockey for the first time as he played a brief five-game stint in the AHL with the Tuscon Roadrunners, where he is currently spending this season.

"Getting the chance to dip my toes in the AHL, after the season last year, was really helpful. I was able to get a feel for the pace and meet some of the guys that I'm playing with this year. It was a really cool and very good experience for me," says McCartney. "When I trained in the summer, I knew I had to be bigger, faster, and stronger. I couldn't be stuck in a junior body as I have to be able to compete against men. It was a great experience to have a taste of pro hockey before a full season."

McCartney put up a point per game in his first five AHL contests and now has six goals and four assists in 17 games with the Roadrunners, so far this season. The 20-year-old also played in two games at the highest level this year, getting called up for two games with the Arizona Coyotes in early November.

"I was full of emotions. It was something I'll never forget, especially having my parents and one of my grandparents there," McCartney continues. "It was incredible, but it also makes you even more hungry. I got to dip my toes in there, but now I want to get my head underwater. I think it showed me what I have to work on and made me hungrier for next time. I just have to keep working and striving for another call-up."

McCartney says those two games and his season in the AHL have helped him pinpoint where his biggest weaknesses are, and he plans to work extremely hard to improve on them.

"I think the main things are keeping composure with the puck and making the right play," he explains. "That's the biggest thing I noticed about the transition was the importance of playing within the system and knowing there's always a way to make yourself useful out there, whether it's making a big hit or scoring goals. I also have to make sure my consistency is up, that's something I've had trouble with in the past, and it's getting a lot better, but I still have a lot of room to improve on that."

The former Wheat King notes the toughest challenge this season has been the constant change in linemates as there the lineup in Tuscon has fluctuated a lot this year.

"In Brandon, I played with Ridly Greig for three years, he was my centreman, and I had that chemistry with him. So, it's difficult, but at the end of the day, you have to go to the rink and be a good player," says McCartney. "Everyone is so good up here that they know where they're supposed to be, position-wise, though. Obviously, the chemistry isn't there, but we just have to build it."

The Macdonald product says this past year was one he will never forget, but he plans to make 2022 the best yet.

"I can't be satisfied. I just have to wake up every day and want to get better," McCartney continues. "2021 was a great year, but I want to make 2022 a better one. It all starts with just having the right attitude and staying positive. That's all I focus on."