Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation defenceman Arielle MacDonald admitted to feeling “beyond excited” upon receiving a scholarship and signing a letter of intent to play on the Concordia Stingers.
“They (Concordia) are one of the top USports programs in the country!” MacDonald said. “Concordia has always been one of the schools that stood out to me when I was deciding where I wanted to go and the coaches were amazing to me when I went to tour and I just knew that’s where I wanted to go. Not to mention Montreal is beautiful.”
In finishing up her third and final season with the P.W.H.L.’S (Provincial Women’s Hockey League) Cambridge Rivulettes, MacDonald was once again a force as she scored three goals and 14 points along with six penalty minutes in helping her team finish with a 17-14-6 regular season record which was good for 10th in the standings.
“This year I really liked how we all bonded good on and off the ice,” MacDonald said. “In the dressing room we were all friends with each other and that made communicating on the ice easier. This year I think our team did really well just playing as a team in general and not being out there for just ourselves. After all hockey is a team game.” In terms of what the team improved on as the year went on MacDonald was quick to say, “What we most improved on throughout the year is the way we connected on the ice. We started to just know where everyone was at the right times and the plays coaches drew up were almost always executed.”
During post-season play MacDonald continued her strong performance starting in their first- round playoff series opener when she drew a critical assist in what was a 2-0 Game 1 win of what was a best of five format against the Kitchener Rangers. This veteran blue- liner went on to add a goal and three more assists in the next three games which saw Cambridge pull out a 3-2 Game 2 win before rebounding in the fourth game in pulling off a series winning 1-0 win.
Reflecting on the series win, MacDonald down-played any special rivalry she had with her good friend in forward Alissa General who played for the Rangers.
“If I were being honest, it really wasn’t much different then playing against any other opponent because once I’m on the ice and I have my team jersey on, no matter who’s on the other team were not friends out there,” MacDonald said. “So, I’m there to win not to make or keep friends. I wouldn’t say there was bragging rights between us but there’s always bragging rights when you beat out a team that finishes higher than you do.”
MacDonald’s quest to end her junior career with a championship came to an end when the season was officially called off after the first round due to the Coronavirus crisis. In reflecting on her time in Cambridge, MacDonald had some high praise for the organization.
“From the first time I put the Cambridge jersey on, I knew it would be hard to leave. Cambridge welcomed me with open arms and helped me grow as not just a hockey player but a person in general. Throughout my years I met many people, made new long- lasting friendships and memories I’ll never forget. They will always be my friends and have a special place in my heart.”
Looking ahead, MacDonald is eager to tackle that next chapter which is patrolling the blue line for the Concordia Stingers.
