Busters vs. Toronto Marlboros – October 17, 2020

Displaying multiple parts of his game that make him an effective player, Macdonell was one of the best players on the ice. He was putting his quick feet and skating on display throughout the game, putting the puck past defensemen and hustling past them. He isn’t the biggest player in terms of length, but he is strong and tough. Macdonell isn’t afraid to go to the net and he did that in this game, getting scoring chances as a result. His puck skills with the puck were also on display in this game in multiple ways. Putting pucks through skates and hustling after them or creating more time and space with his puck possession. Macdonell showed some playmaking skill this game, picking up a nice assist on a Colby Barlow goal. Macdonell took the first pass from Barlow at the offensive blue line, after entering the zone Macdonell made a great read, recognizing the defenceman pivoting into better position. More specifically he recognizes the stick position giving him the middle, Macdonell subsequently makes a great pass on the tape of Barlow going to the net, resulting in a goal.

Named the captain of his Marlboros team in his Major Bantam season, MacDonell brings a mix of leadership, skill, speed, physicality, scoring, and a strong 200-foot game, all brought together by his high work ethic. With such a strong motor, he consistently uses his speed and physicality to be relentless on the forecheck, often being the first in putting pressure on the defence, forcing turnovers and wreaking havoc deep in the offensive zone. He has a quick first few strides, allowing him to create separation in transition, as well as using quick stops and turns to move into open space in the offensive zone. He often combines his skating and strength to drive the net front area, to either score in tight or score off hard accurate shots in the home plate area. MacDonell applies his high work ethic to the defensive side of the puck, contributing to him being one of the strongest 2-way centres in the draft. Constantly keeping his feet moving on the back check, moving into good position in the D-zone, or putting pressure on opponents in his own zone, forcing them to be quicker with the puck than they would like. He also uses an active stick to lift sticks, check and angle the puck carrier, as well as use his stick to jump on passes and transition the other way.