A tremendous season keeps getting better for Voodoos netminder Nate McDonald.
The Voodoos goaltender who has led all NOJHL goaltenders in nearly every category this season has committed to the Niagara University NCAA Division I Purple Eagles for the 2017-18 season.
McDonald leads all NOJHL goaltenders in wins with 29, goals against with a 2.16 average, and leads in shutouts with three.
“It has always been my goal to play hockey in the NCAA at the division 1 level, and I am very excited to announce that I will be joining the Niagara University Purple Eagles for the 2017/18 season,” stated McDonald.
“The Powassan Voodoos and the NOJHL have given me every opportunity to succeed, and I can not thank them enough. The league is constantly looking at new ways to showcase their players, with the league showcase, Eastern Canada Cup, and CJHL Prospects game being great ways to do so. I could not be happier with my choice of coming to the NOJHL, specifically Powassan, as my junior hockey experience has been everything that I had hoped for and more.”
The North Bay native was recruited out of the Toronto Marlies Major Midget program where he played last season. McDonald, who has also on the radar of a handful of NHL teams for this summer’s NHL draft, believes the NOJHL has been a great, competitive choice for him.
“I would specifically like to thank Coach Scott Wray and his staff,” said McDonald.
“They have been outstanding all season. It is amazing how dedicated they are to developing their players both as hockey players and as men. They truly care for each and every one of us, and it means a lot to have that kind of support.”
Voodoos GM Chris Dawson believes the NCAA commitment is good news for the Voodoos and the NOJHL.
“NCAA Division One commitments are special and I think it shows that you don’t have to leave the north to get noticed,” stated Dawson.
“We are very proud of Nate and we believe the sky is the limit for this talented driven netminder.”
The Voodoos will finish off their regular season on Wednesday night in French River.
McDonald is hoping to continue this memorable season with an NOJHL championship this spring.
“I am now glad to be able to focus on a long playoff run with the Voodoos, and it would be great to finish off my only season of junior hockey with the guys in our locker room,” he said.
“Everyone knows that championships come few and far between, and I know that we have something special here in Powassan. I look forward to the future and can’t thank enough all those who have helped me achieve my goal.”
