Jacob Macdonald '20 Recruiting Profile

My name is Jacob Macdonald and I am a right-shooting, highly motivated playmaker.  My goal is to attend an NCAA school and play hockey at the highest level possible.  Throughout my athletic career, I have always strived for my personal best. 

 I am very passionate, self-motivated and self-disciplined to succeed both on and off the ice.  This drive has helped me build character and develop into the type of person and player I am.   My goal has always been to continue to improve and develop my game.  I am confident I have the determination, ability and work ethic to continue this growth while playing at the next level and I would be an asset to any hockey program.   

 I have an athletic background and have excelled in numerous sports, but hockey is my passion. In 2016-17 at Robert Bateman High School in Burlington, Ontario, I received the Basketball and Hockey MVP award, a Baseball most interesting award, an award for playing six or more sports, and the Male Athlete of the Year award. High school sports, and athletics in general, have always been very important to me.  Participating in many school sports has taught me essential skills I will use throughout my life, such as teamwork, co-operation, community representation, fitness, improved academics, the power of school pride and camaraderie.   

I have learned effort can overcome many obstacles on and off the ice. I have learned to apply myself during different challenges and always to do my best and remain determined. Preparation is key to succeeding in anything. If you work hard to prepare, you will achieve results. I work hard every day to be self-disciplined.  I understand my own strengths and weaknesses enough to capitalize on what I do well and improve where I fall short.  

Being an athlete has taught me the value of teamwork and time management. I have learned that listening and learning from mistakes will always help you grow into a better person, player and student. I will always strive to have an open mind to both coaching and scholastic feedback and will continue to work on areas of weakness. I never give up on my dreams and will give 110% to not only achieve, but exceed, these aspirations.    

I want to take my commitment and love of hockey to the next level and play the game as long as I can. I am fully convinced if you aspire to accomplish great things, you must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. I am fully open to all options and will continue to work relentlessly on achieving my goals. 

I feel my biggest strength is my vision of the ice and knowing where everybody would be and where the puck is going to be. In 2019-20, as captain of the Hamilton Kilty B’s junior hockey club,  I was the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Golden Horseshoe Conference Most Valuable Player, First-Team All-Star, Rookie of the Year, member of the All-Rookie team and selected to participate in the GOJHL Top Prospects Game. I was the conference Co-Offensive Player of the Month for January on the way to putting up 33 goals, 44 assists and 77 points in 50 games, which was eighth in the 26-team GOJHL in each category.  I earned these awards by working extremely hard and never giving up. 

I was honoured to be named captain for my Blyth Cougars team for the 2017-18 season, assistant captain for 2018-19, and captain of the Hamilton Kilty B's in 2019-20. I feel I am the type of person people want to be around. I have the ability to influence and make a positive difference. I’m easily approachable - that’s what I try to be and the feedback I have received. I hope other players, teammates, colleagues and coaches feel comfortable coming and asking me questions or just chatting. That’s definitely something I always want to do and take pride in. 

While it excites me to bury that puck in the net, it equally, if not more, sets my soul on fire to be a playmaker and help my teammates be successful.  I have always wanted to see my teammates play to the best of their ability. This means being selfless and giving someone else an opportunity when the situation calls for it. I don't just play for me (there is no ‘I’ in a team) but I play for and with my team both on and off the ice. I feel I am a humble, but strong person. 

 Email from a teacher: 

Well, nothing is ever free. He earned everything. I have told him he should take baseball seriously. He's a natural. In all seriousness, he should consider it. With his experience and the time I had, he made tremendous strides. A grade 10 as starting shortstop and hitting number three is amazing. Hitting a double off a Provincial rep pitcher who's going to Division 1 University ball in the States next year is even more impressive. The boy has talent. His teachers love his effort and attitude. I know because I check.  The award goes to someone who shows learning, development, is coachable, and makes next year interesting if they continue to progress.