KIRK
MacDONALD
Rensselaer
Sr. | F | Victoria, British Columbia
MacDonald
had 16 points in the last 13 games of 2004-05.
Key
Statistics: MacDonald led the Engineers in goals
(16) and overall scoring (36 points) and was named the team's
Most Valuable Player. By finishing atop the scoring chart,
he unseated classmate Kevin Croxton, who led RPI in scoring
in their freshman and sophomore campaigns.
What
He Does: He does a lot of things, making him one
of the most well-rounded players in the ECAC Hockey League.
Not only did he lead RPI in goals and points, but also game-winning
goals (4) and power-play goals (8), and ranked second on the
team in penalty minutes. MacDonald is also one of RPI's most
responsible defensive forwards.
The
Bigger Picture: MacDonald's senior season is sure
to be even more special than most as he is recovering from
a serious illness. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer
in April. In a statement released by the university, MacDonald
said, "I will begin treatment immediately, and fight
as hard as I possibly can. I fully expect to return to the
ice in time for my senior season."
Rensselaer
head coach Dan Fridgen in the Albany Times Union on MacDonald's
recovery and his chances for a return to the lineup:
"He's doing very well. He just finished his third round
of chemotherapy (in June), and he's got one left. If everything
goes well with that last round of chemotherapy, it's definitely
a possibility."
