Cam MacDonald, a 17-year-old forward who was committed to Boston College, has signed with the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL.
MacDonald is a Novia Scotia native and is already 6-foot-2 as a 2003-born player. He’s a prospect eligible for the 2021 NHL Draft.
“It means a lot to sign with an organization like Saint John,” said MacDonald. “I couldn’t be more excited to start this new journey for my hockey career. It’s been a crazy ride and I want to thank Saint John for giving me this opportunity to start a new chapter. My family has been here with me the whole time ever since I’ve started playing, supporting me with all the decisions I’ve made, and I can’t thank them enough. From a hockey standpoint I have been very lucky with Selects Academy, Sioux Falls Stampede and Boston College; all of who have helped me get to where I am today, I’m super excited to get the season started and can’t wait to get up to Saint John.”
MacDonald played last season with the Sioux Falls Stampede in the USHL, registering 20 points in 44 games. In 2018-2019, MacDonald played at Selects Hockey Academy 15U where he led his team in scoring with 72 goals and 126 points in 52 games.
“I like to play a power forward role. I can score and make plays but also be physical when needed. I like to match my style of play to Jamie Benn who is an elite power forward in the NHL.”
Saint John has been on a run of signing NCAA-committed players. In the last 24 months, the Sea Dogs have signed Peter Reynolds, who was also committed to Boston College, as well as Charlie DesRoches (Northeastern), Josh Lawrence (Boston University), Matt Gould (Providence College), Michael Campoli (Boston College), Dawson Stairs, and Kale McCallum.
“He is a big bodied center that can skate north and south,” said NZ scout Lenny Hofmann. “After a slow start to the season, he is starting to pick up his production and take on a lot of responsibility in terms of being a 16-year-old playing down the middle. Below the dots he was able to protect pucks and use his body to relieve pressure. He can handle the puck and has some skill. His playing time got cut down late due to a close game and his team fighting for a playoff spot. As his confidence gets ramped up late this season or next fall, he should be a prospect that we continue write about for the 2021 Draft.”
