MacDonald Returns to Sundogs for 2011-12
July 12, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Arizona Sundogs News Release
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - The Arizona Sundogs announced today that seven-year forward Craig MacDonald will return to the team for the upcoming 2011-12 Central Hockey League season.
MacDonald, 28, was acquired by the Sundogs last season in a trade that sent Jason Williams and Billy Bezeau to the Bloomington PrairieThunder. In 20 games after joining the team, MacDonald scored five goals and added 15 assists. On the year as a whole, he finished with 31 points in 50 games (eight goals, 23 assists).
"Craig is a veteran player in this league that gives us a great deal of experience and character," said Head Coach Marco Pietroniro. "He's a leader on and off the ice. He played very well for us down the stretch last year after we acquired him, and we're going to look to him continuing that level of play for us this season."
The Milton, Ontario native has played four of his seven career seasons in the CHL. The 2009-10 campaign proved to be a career year for MacDonald after registering 44 goals, 46 assists, and 90 points for the PrairieThunder - all career highs. From 2006 to 2009 he skated for the CHL's New Mexico Scorpions, averaging nearly a point-per-game. In 181 games for New Mexico he tallied 180 points on 88 goals and 92 assists.
"He's proven that he can be an offensive impact and put up points at this level," added Pietroniro.
MacDonald began his professional career in 2004 with the Elmira Jackals of the United Hockey League, after playing four seasons at Elmira College. He appeared in 77 games for the Jackals over two UHL seasons recording eight goals and 12 assists.
The signing of MacDonald puts the Sundogs' preseason roster at five with forwards Luke Erickson, Kyle Hood, Daymen Rycroft, and defenseman Tyler Butler.
The sixth season of Arizona Sundogs hockey is brought to you by Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel. The puck will drop on the new season in October 2011. The Sundogs will also host the 2012 CHL All-Star Game in January. Season tickets, mini-plan, and single-game ticket information is now available by calling (928) 759-6600 or visiting arizonasundogs.com.
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- MacDonald Returns to Sundogs for 2011-12 - Arizona Sundogs
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