5 Questions: Get to know CBJ forward Hunter McKown

A center from Colorado College, Hunter McKown is excited to get the opportunity to join the Blue Jackets for the end of the season.
Even though he has only been in Columbus for a few weeks after signing a contract March 20, he has already been making an impact on the ice.
In his first game with the Jackets, McKown picked up his first National Hockey League point with an assist against the New York Islanders. So far, the 20-year-old has played in four games and been impressive in the faceoff circle, winning 24 of 36 draws (66.7 percent).

"What I've seen from his game, he seems fairly trustworthy," head coach Brad Larsen said. "I put him on the ice and he played a good amount of minutes even in Montreal there, trying to see more of him and what he can do. He's a methodical skater. He's not a high-stepping guy, but he's a powerful guy. There's a lot to digest for him right now, and I think he's done a real good job here."
Being one of the newest players for the Jackets, McKown -- who was born in California but also lived in St. Louis and suburban Detroit as he chased his hockey dream growing up -- took some time to answer five questions for fans to learn more about who he is.
1. BlueJackets.com: I saw that you moved all over the country growing up but started out in San Jose. How did you get into hockey in California?
Hunter McKown: "It's a weird little story, so there is a game called Gockey. It's like a foosball table with little bars in it but also open inside, and you stand on the outside of it with a little stick and there is a little ball. When I was really little, like 2 years old, my parents would put me in it while they would be talking to people, and I would just go to town. My parents never played hockey, so that's how I got into hockey, it's kind of unusual but that's what happened."
Where has been your favorite place to live?
"I mean there have been so many good spots. Obviously, California is California and that was a really special spot to grow up. My family and I loved living in St Louis, it's such a great city. My family didn't really know what to expect when we got there, but it has great people and a great atmosphere, so we loved it there. Then being in Colorado Springs for school has been awesome, and then Michigan is Michigan."
2. What made you choose Colorado College?
"Coming off the U.S. (national junior) program, I wanted to be somewhere where I could play a bit more and gain some of my confidence back since I didn't get to play a lot with the U.S. team. I felt that CC was a great fit for me, and the coaching staff was fantastic for me."
3. You have only been here for like two weeks at this point, but what has it been like going from college hockey to playing for the Jackets? What has been the biggest difference?
"Yeah, the speed is so much faster, and the guys are just huge. You know there are some big bodies out there. It's been fun. I mean, it's been a lot more on the go. I came in when we had back-to-back games, which is kind of like college but we are right back at it. It will definitely take some time to get used to, but it's been a lot of fun, and getting to meet all the guys has been great.
4. I heard you are really into history. What is your favorite part of history to learn about?
"There are so many good periods to study. I feel like recently I have been really into the World War II era. There are just so many levels to unpack there. But there are so many good ones, it's hard to choose."
What got you into wanting to learn more about history? Family or something?
"So this is another crazy story. I was in like third grade and I had got the new Assassin's Creed video game. All of those games go through a different historical time period, and I just fell in love with it. Every year I buy the new game and get really into it, but yeah, that's how my love of history kick-started."
5. Again, I know you haven't been here long, but what has been your favorite part about being in Columbus, and what has been your favorite part of being with this team?
"It's hard to pick one thing right now. It has been such a cool experience, I've been going to some different restaurants and getting to see the city a little bit. It's such an unreal city, you know. It's underrated. People don't necessarily talk about Columbus being such a cool city as it's been so far for me. But if I had to pick a favorite thing, I would say being with the guys and getting to know everybody. It's been crazy, but everyone is super welcoming."