PROfile: MacDonald imparts title expertise to new team

A captain’s portrait. Photo by Michael Cestnik

Former SMU star switches colours to captain black and gold

The Dalhousie men’s hockey team has a new captain: former Saint Mary’s defenceman David MacDonald. And as the only member of the Tigers to have won a CIS crown, MacDonald expects his experience to come in handy.

“I think I can bring leadership to the team,” said MacDonald. “I am not the most vocal guy, but I feel that on the ice I play hard every shift. I think that having won two AUS championships and one national championship and having contributed to those wins, I feel I can bring that over to Dalhousie.”

After finishing his undergrad at Saint Mary’s, MacDonald had two choices: try out for an east coast minor hockey league team or continue his education and play for another CIS club. He chose the latter and applied to the master’s program at Dalhousie in leisure studies.

MacDonald knew he was going to be named captain before he officially joined the team in July, after having discussions with Tigers head coach Pete Belliveau. It will be intriguing, he said, to wear the C against his previous teammates.

“It will be interesting to play against them and see what happens,” said MacDonald, laughing. “I think the rivalry will definitely continue, although when I decided to come to Dalhousie they had nothing but good things to say about this program.”

MacDonald, a Baddeck native, is in his last year of CIS eligibility. He joined the Huskies in 2007 after a four-year QMJHL career with Prince Edward Island, Moncton and Saint John.

MacDonald had his most accomplished university season in 2009-2010 when he won a national championship – an accomplishment which, Belliveau feels, works to his team’s advantage.

“We didn’t have a single player on our team who has won a championship, so we decided to make him our leader.” said Belliveau, adding he expects MacDonald to be the type of player who makes an instant impact on the team.

Well aware of Dal’s playoff slump, which ended last year after a six-year hiatus, and the difficulties this preseason, MacDonald remains as optimistic as ever, boldly predicting the Tigers to finish in the top three this season.

“We have been rebuilding, and during the past two years we have sort of went through two recruiting cycles. This year I think they did a great job with getting some older guys in here. I think we have a good work ethic and a great team this season and those years of struggling are behind us.”

After finishing his master’s program, MacDonald plans to pursue a law degree.