July 28, 2011

Macdonald Returns to Italy

Former St. Lawrence standout Matt Macdonald is returning to Italy, having signed an agreement with Asiago for the 2011-12 season. Macdonald joined SønderjyskE (Denmark) in 2010-11 after having spent the previous campaign with HC Fassa (Italy).

A native of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Macdonald joins Asiago having appeared in 39 regular-season and six postseason contests with SønderjyskE last season. He compiled 12 points, including three goals, in regular-season competition, and one goal and one assist in six games as part of the Continental Cup.

Macdonald commented on why he chose to sign with Asiago.

"First of all I enjoyed it a lot when I played in the Italian championship, two years ago and then I know that the company is one of the best, if not the best of the entire league," said Macdonald. "I've always heard good things about the guys on the team and so when we started talking I was very happy with my choice."

Madonald competed in 40 regular-season contests with HC Fassa, in addition to six playoff games, in 2009-10. He scored nine goals and added 19 assists in regular-season play. In playoff action, Macdonald registered one goal and two assists.

Macdonald joined HC Fassa after spending the 2008-09 campaign with Portland of the American Hockey League (AHL) and Cincinnati of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). Macdonald played in 55 regular-season games with Portland, amassing one goal and 44 assists, along with 43 minutes in penalties. He spent 14 regular-season games with Cincinnati, compiling one goal and six assists.

The six-foot-one, 195 pound Macdonald began his professional career with Lubbock (CHL) in 2005-06. Macdonald played collegiately at St. Lawrence, where he won four varsity letters. He played in 118 games and netted 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points. As a senior (2004-05), scored the series-clinching goal with 1:50 to go in win against Princeton during the opening round of the ECAC playoffs.