Lakehead University and the Thunderwolves hockey team are pleased to announce that forward Austin McDonald has committed to the program.
The 510, 180 pound native of Turtleford, Saskatchewan is the younger brother of goaltender Justin McDonald, who will be entering his sophomore season with the Wolves this fall.
The McDonalds are now thethird brother act on the Lakehead squad in addition to the Dubchaks (Carson, a junior, and Brennen, an incoming freshman who committed earlier this summer) and the Quesneles (fifth-year senior Mike and sophomore David).
Austin played the 2011-12 season for the Kindersley Klippers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, and then moved to the Lloydminster Bobcats of the Alberta Junior Hockey League for the following two campaigns. In his final year with the Bobcats, he tallied 44 points in 57 regular-season games, and then added 17 more points in 12 playoff matches.
Wolves Head Coach Bill McDonald is happy to have Austin join the program. Austin has been on our radar since last season, and after entertaining some offers from NCAA schools, hes decided to come to Lakehead, said the second-year bench boss. He had a good regular-season and a great playoff run last year, and he can play in all situations. And if his character is anything like his brother Justins, hes going to be a big plus for our team.
Austin is excited about starting at Lakehead this fall. "I feel privileged to be joining such a reputable CIS program, and I think Lakehead will provide a great opportunity for me to develop both on and off the ice," Austin said. "Ive heard about the unbelievable fan support in Thunder Bay, and Im really looking forward to the chance to play with my brother again."