Rowan McDonald '25 Recruiting Profile

Hi my name is Rowan McDonald I play hockey in Alberta Canada, I currently play u18aaa in St Albert. It is my desire to play collage/university hockey and I know that playing hockey at the collegiate level is a once in a one time opportunity. At the age of 4 I put on my first pair of skates and ever since I cant take them off. My father was a goalie and he loves the sport, I grew up always watching hockey on the Tv especially the Oilers. My father introduced me into the world of hockey and I've been playing hockey non stop since I was 4 years old. And over my 13 years of playing hockey each year I'm faced with a challenge wither that be losing a family member or becoming super sick at the age of 7. I've pushed through the hardships, taking each challenge on and finding a way to work through.

 Hockey has been a place where I'm challenged every day to learn something new wither that be plays or simply a new angle on film. I had to work hard to get where I am today spending extra time finding ice and working on individual skills, even with off ice training getting in the gym and putting in the work. And my work has been paying off in 2022 I was drafted to the Prince George Cougars in the WHL, I've played a couple games in the AJHL even scoring my first goal in a junior A hockey.

 Being a 6'4 200 lbs. forward I work on my skating, I have good puck control and protection. I take pride in winning battles along the boards and being a winger making sure that the puck is getting out on my side in the defensive zone. I like to score, and I have a good shot and a powerful one timer/slap shot. I have also been praised that I have a high Hockey IQ and I can make quick plays under pressure. Goalies hate me when I'm in front of the net setting a good screen and battling for rebounds. Being physical is also one of my strong suits due to my size and I can lay someone out on the ice if the opportunity presents itself I don't no shy away from it.

 I am very fortunate that I am a First Nation from Enoch Cree Nation, with access to a full gym and free skates that I use to get better. I strive to be a role model to fellow First Nation Athletes with not only my Nation but fellow nations across Canada. I believe that,  attending a college, I can use to not only better myself but give inspiration to younger First Nation athletes. I'm open to all options and at the end of the day I want to find the best collage and the highest level of competition and acquire an education while playing the sport I love.