Introduction
If you are a DEL2 fan I am sure you will know who Josh MacDonald is after his successful three seasons in the league with the Ravensburg Towerstars and Krefeld Pinguine. Josh MacDonald has been a key player to every team he has played on as he has been a regular 1st liner. He has now decided to make a move to the UK for the 24/25 season.
Time in Denmark
Josh MacDonald made his debut in Europe in the 19/20 season in Denmark in the Metal Ligaen with Sønderjyske Ishockey. This was a big step up for MacDonald as he had played the most part of his career in North America in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL); however, he was a top player in the ECHL the season before where he put up a solid 57 points (Pts). Sønderjyske were coming off a successful season (they finished second in the league and were the runner ups in the postseason) but they were looking for redemption after a devastating final loss to Rungsted Seier Capital.
They would have a successful season again finishing 3rd in the league; however, this was the Covid 19 year which saw the playoffs cancelled. MacDonald didn’t take long to get used to the speed and level of skill required to succeed in the Metal Ligaen as he showed his shooting prowess well and played as a true leader on the ice as he scored 28 Pts which consisted of 15 goals (G) ad 13 assists (A). He was a key player to Sønderjyske win in the IIHF Continental Cup as he put up one A in 6 games; however, it was his offensive read which made him a key player as he was able to read plays and regularly intercept the puck. This would be enough to earn him a contract in the Metal Ligaen again for the 20/21 season but with a new team.
07/08/2020 marks the day Josh MacDonald signed for the Aalborg Pirates for the 20/21 season. Aalborg Pirates were coming off a league championship from the previous year and they had their eyes set on repeating it and winning it for the second year in a row. Fans were excited to see MacDonald sign for the Pirates as they all believed he had great potential to succeed in this league and dominate as one of the best forwards in the league and they were correct. MacDonald finished as the 4th best player in the league. He demonstrated that he was one of the best shooters in the league and had some of the best on ice knowledge putting up a groundbreaking 57 Pts.
Time in the DEL2 league in Germany
Josh MacDonald would then make one of the most difficult choices in his career by making the move from the Metal Ligaen to the DEL2 league in Germany as he chose to sign for the Ravensburg Towerstars. This would be a change of skill level as the DEL2 league is slightly higher skilled than the Metal Ligaen; however, this would be no issue for MacDonald as he would prove to his head coach Peter Russel (the current head coach of the Cardiff Devils) that he was worthy of regular minutes during games. He would lead by example on his team by becoming one of the top forwards as he would light the lamp 17 times. He would also be a crucial player in the teams playoff push as he would contribute 10 times to his teams points to help them make it to the final where they sadly lost 4-0 to the Löwen Frankfurt.
He would return for a second season but it would be under two head coaches; Peter Russell for the first half of the season and Tim Kehler for the second half. He would strive under both them as they shared similar visions as each other. MacDonald was playing 3-4 shifts each period as a 1st liner which helped him become one of the team's best forwards alongside teammate Sam Herr (Nottingham Panthers forward for 24/25 season). He secured 43 Pts in 50 games; which helped secure 3rd place for his squad. He would continue his offensive dominance in the postseason by putting up 18 Pts in 17 games to help his team reach the final where they would play a competitive game against the EC Bad Nauheim which would end up finishing 4-1 in their favour; awarding them promotion to the DEL league which is one of the best ice hockey leagues in the world.
MacDonald would not be re-signed to compete in the DEL league with the Ravensburg Towerstars instead he would stick to the DEL2 league by signing for the Krefeld Pinguine. He would show why he was one of the best players in the league by becoming a good two way winger on the ice, demonstrating his defensive awareness along with his offensive prowess. His poke checking ability was very notable during this season as he was regularly winning the puck back to get counter attacks against his opponents which allowed him to have 16A and a +/- of +11. He also demonstrated his developing wrist shot as he managed to light the lamp 16 times giving him a solid 32 Pts to end the season.
Move to the Cardiff Devils under Peter Russell
It is very common for coaches to keep in contact with former players they have coached and this was the case for Peter Russell and Josh MacDonald. Josh MacDonald has signed for the Cardiff Devils for the 24/25 season and this is nothing but a positive signing for the club. MacDonald brings an extensive set of skills and experience which will help the team gel together as they push for some titles this season. Playing alongside the likes of Zach O’Brien and Brett Perlini will create a strong 1st line which could bring a lot of points to the team and help the Devils dominate the league.
Conclusion
Josh MacDonald's journey from North America to Europe has been marked by consistent success and adaptability. His move to the Cardiff Devils under the guidance of former coach Peter Russell is a promising development for both the player and the team. MacDonald’s extensive experience in the DEL2 and Metal Ligaen, combined with his leadership qualities and on-ice prowess, make him a valuable addition to the Devils’ roster. With a strong first line featuring Zach O’Brien and Brett Perlini, the Cardiff Devils are poised for a dominant 24/25 season, and MacDonald’s presence will undoubtedly be a key factor in their pursuit of championship glory.
Author of Article: Calan Yule
Editor: Will Harris & Calan Yule
Proofread By: Will Harris
© EIHL News Central
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