This past match week saw MAC Budapest close the gap on first place DVTK to one point, by winning three out of three closely contested games. One of the players that really put the team on their back with his two goals and eight assists was Ian McDonald, and because of this he is this week’s Player of the Week.
McDonald was born in Edmonton Canada and played his junior years in the Western Hockey League (WHL) for the Tri-City Americans where he played with not only future NHL superstars such as Carey Price, but also with players that are familiar to Hungarian hockey fans, former Fehérvár players Ryan Kinasewich and Eric Johansson and also Olympic champion Shannon Szabados.His last year in juniors he lead his team in scoring before moving on to go to school at the University of Alberta.
People have said that the hockey world is a very small community and it is even more evident when someone sees a list of Ian’s former teammates. At the U of Alberta he won a national championship with former Fehérvár forward Derek Ryan and Tyler Metcalfe on a team that was coached by Eric Thurston, who would later coach the Hungarian U18 national team.
After his University years he packed his bags and headed off to Europe where he is now in his seventh season, Ian has played in multiple leagues where he played with a number of former MOL League and Fehérvár players, Mike Danton, Bryan McGregor and Pasi Salonen all shared a locker room with him also current Volán blueliner Ryan Martinelli is a mate of his as well. Before MAC signed him head coach Gergely Majoross talked to Dr.Viktor Szélig since Ian and Viktor were teammates in Briancon last season. McDonald has been a productive forward wherever he has played in Europe. This week's player of the week took time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions for icehockey.hu.
What is your opinion about the MOL League?
Honestly I didn't know much about it before I came here but I have been pleasantly surprised with the overall level of hockey and the professionalism and it will just get better and better.
What is it like to play with your linemates Tomas Klempa and Jeff Hayes?
It has been great, I couldn't asked for two better guys to play with. We all seem to think the game well and we all bring something different to the line and that is what makes us so successful. Jeff uses his speed really well and is a great finisher and Tomas has a great all around game and is really the guy that creates a lot for our line.
What was the main reason you decided to sign with MAC Budapest?
That's a tough question because I don't think there is one main reason, it is more like a combination of things really, but the city, the rink and our coach were the top three.
Hungary is the 8th country you have played in the past seven seasons, that's a ride not many people have a chance to be on, what has it been like to adjust to a new culture every time?
I'm not gonna say it's all been easy but I have been very lucky to have experienced so many different cultures and lifestyles throughout my career. I have had the opportunity to meet some really amazing people and makes some lasting friendships along the way. To be honest, every year seems to get easier to adjust and this year so far has been the best.
How do you like living in Budapest?
My girlfriend Elyse and I both absolutely love it, there is always so much to do and see here so you are never bored. Like it was mentioned before we have lived in a lot of places and Budapest is at the top of our list.