Imagine being told your future doesn’t lie in the family business, but on the ice, chasing a puck instead of fixing pipes. That’s exactly what happened to NHL star Charlie McAvoy, whose father, Charles McAvoy Sr., had a bold vision for his son’s future. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Charles didn’t just dream—he strategically steered Charlie away from the family plumbing business and toward a hockey career that would eventually lead him to the Boston Bruins and the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Charles McAvoy Sr. knew firsthand the sacrifices and limitations of a life in the trades. Growing up as the youngest of seven siblings, he had once harbored dreams of playing hockey himself. However, the financial burden of travel hockey and limited access to ice time dashed those hopes, leaving him to dedicate 30 years to running McAvoy Plumbing and Heating on Long Island, New York. ‘The opportunity was there, but the finances weren’t always,’ Charles reflected in an episode of NBC Local’s ‘My New Favorite Olympian’. ‘I didn’t get that chance, and I wanted to ensure Charlie and his sisters had every opportunity to pursue their passions.’
Charlie’s journey began at age 3, when he first laced up skates. While he spent some sweltering summer days as a plumber’s helper—digging through sand, jackhammering sidewalks, and learning the grit of hard work—his father made it clear that this wasn’t his destiny. ‘He’d hand me a shovel and say, ‘Dig until you hear a pipe,’ Charlie recalled with a laugh. ‘I quickly realized this wasn’t my calling.’ Instead, Charles envisioned a different path for his son, one where a hockey stick and puck replaced wrenches and pipes.
And this is the part most people miss: Charles didn’t just encourage Charlie’s hockey dreams—he literally unlocked the door to success. While working on a project to convert the local hockey rink from oil to gas, Charles was given the keys to the facility. ‘Charlie was young, and we took full advantage,’ he said. ‘We were there almost every night.’ Those endless hours on the ice honed the skating skills that would later propel Charlie to stardom, from Boston University to the NHL, where he was drafted 14th overall by the Bruins in 2016.
But here’s the controversial part: Did Charles go too far in steering Charlie away from the family business? Some might argue that pushing a child toward a specific career path—even one they love—can feel forced. Yet, Charlie credits his father’s unwavering support as the cornerstone of his success. ‘He sacrificed so much to give me this opportunity,’ Charlie said. ‘There’s no way I can ever repay him.’
Today, Charlie admits he has no clue how to fix a leaky pipe—a skill his father deliberately withheld to keep his focus on hockey. ‘I called him recently about a faucet issue, and he tried to walk me through it,’ Charlie joked. ‘Halfway through, I just said, ‘Bring your tools, I’ll pay you to fix it.’ Charles replied, ‘I’m charging you, though,’ and I said, ‘Go ahead.’ It’s a lighthearted reminder of the unique bond between father and son, built on sacrifice, passion, and a shared love for the game.
But here’s the question for you: Was Charles right to steer Charlie away from the family business, or should children always have the choice to follow in their parents’ footsteps? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions!
