LJ Mooney (Photo courtesy of _ljmooney18 on Instagram)
For LJ Mooney, hockey has always been about more than just the game. Growing up in Pennsylvania and sharing a family connection with cousin Logan Cooley, he’s had a front-row seat to the work ethic and dedication it takes to make it at the highest level. That influence, combined with his own drive, has pushed him to chase every opportunity in front of him — from international play to carving out his place in the Canadiens’ system as a 2025 fourth-round pick (113th overall).
Now, as he balances the pride of representing his country with the challenge of proving himself in the NCAA at the University of Minnesota, Mooney is embracing both the excitement and the pressure that come with the territory.
A Rookie’s Welcome in Montreal
Mooney’s first real taste of life as a Montreal Canadiens prospect left him with an impression he won’t soon forget. Walking into an NHL camp for the first time can be intimidating, but for him it quickly became an experience full of positive energy and opportunity.
“It’s a different feeling — it’s special. Once I got there and met everyone, it was great,” said Mooney on his first camp with the Canadiens. “They were very welcoming and then on the ice: it was pretty cool. Lot of great people around.”
That first impression was backed up by the ongoing support of the development staff, something Mooney said has been key in helping him grow his game since draft day.
“It’s been great, and they reach out to talk here and there,” said Mooney of Rob Ramage and Adam Nicholas’ involvement in his development.
His connection with Nicholas, in particular, has stood out. Having crossed paths with him through his agency before, Mooney was already familiar with Nicholas’s teaching style — and he’s leaned on that relationship ever since.
“He worked with my agency a little bit before, so I knew him before I got to camp. He’s a great guy and is unbelievable at what he does, so getting to skate with him was big,” added Mooney on Nicholas. “He sends a couple of clips here and there on stuff to work on. It’s pretty cool to have him.”
Beyond the staff, there’s also the camaraderie of being part of a prospect pool. Mooney said the relationships he’s formed with fellow draft picks and young players have already helped him feel more connected to the organization.
“Hage or Koivu. I know Hage before through camps and whatnot,” said Hage. “Playing in the same league as him and talked to him a little bit.”
Building those connections, Mooney explained, has made the adjustment to pro life and college hockey much easier. Whether it’s leaning on familiar faces like Michael Hage or finding common ground with new teammates like Luke Mittelstadt, he values the sense of community that comes with being part of the Canadiens’ prospect pool.
“That was the first time I met Luke, too,” said Mooney on fellow Habs prospect and Golden Gopher, Luke Mittelstadt. “He’s been great and having him here too (at Minnesota) has been a great leader for our team.”
Chasing The World Junior Dream
While his future in Montreal is a big focus, Mooney hasn’t lost sight of the pride that comes with representing his country. The World Junior Championship is one of the most-watched tournaments in hockey, and he knows the chance to compete there again would be another major milestone in his career.
For Mooney, the event isn’t just another tournament — it represents the kind of stage where players define themselves. The experience of wearing the U.S. jersey is something he doesn’t take for granted, and it remains one of his biggest motivators.
“Every time you can put that jersey on, it’s pretty special. I’ve gotten the chance to wear it the last two years and, if I got the chance again this year … You of course have to work for it, but it’s extra motivation for me,” said Mooney about representing his country at this year’s World Junior Championships.
He explained that it isn’t just about wearing the jersey, but about what it symbolizes — the training, the sacrifice, and the pride of playing alongside the best of your peers against the world’s elite.
“To work to put that jersey on again. Playing for your country is one of the best things you can do.”
This year’s tournament carries even more excitement, as it will be held in Minnesota — not far from where Mooney is now continuing his development at the University of Minnesota. The opportunity to play on that stage so close to his new home is something he’s especially looking forward to.
“And it’s here in Minnesota this year, so that would also be pretty cool,” added Mooney.
Discovering The Passion of Habs Fans
Ask any player what makes Montreal different, and the first thing you’ll hear about is the fans. Mooney may just be starting his journey in the Canadiens organization, but he’s already had his first taste of their passion — and it’s left an impression.
“I’m still getting texts from fans and everything. It’s been pretty cool,” said Mooney on his first experience with Canadiens supporters. “I didn’t know what I was getting into with the fans and everything, but they’ve been unbelievable.”
What could easily feel overwhelming has instead become a source of motivation. Mooney said he’s come to appreciate the energy and support, understanding that it’s rooted in the team’s deep tradition and the fans’ unwavering loyalty.
“You can’t be mad about it. There’s people supporting you, and that support really goes a long way. It shows how much they care about the team,” continued Mooney. “They’re unbelievable, and it’s really cool to have all that support — it really motivates me.”
For Mooney, that kind of connection makes the future even more exciting. Knowing that an entire fan base is already watching and cheering gives him a sense of belonging — and a reminder of what he’s working toward as he takes each new step in his career.
Despite the overwhelming amount of changes in his life, Mooney believes it all comes down to keeping things simple. He knows there’s a long road ahead, but he’s grateful for the chances that have already come his way — from slipping on a U.S. jersey to walking into his first Canadiens camp. Each step has given him a little more confidence and a little more motivation.
He’s not trying to map out the whole future just yet. For now, Mooney is focused on the next opportunity, the next game, and the next chance to prove himself. And with his mix of drive and humility, it feels like he’s headed in the right direction.