Hockey Axemen announce MacDonald as new assistant coach
Former Axemen Moves Behind Acadia Bench
WOLFVILLE, N.S. – Acadia Hockey head coach Darren Burns and Acadia University announced the hiring of former hockey Axeman Kris MacDonald as the team’s new assistant coach. MacDonald replaces departed assistant coach Michael Chiasson, who accepted a position with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Orwell, P.E.I. native played for the Axemen from 2007 to 2010 before starting his coaching career in 2011-2012 with the UPEI Panthers for one season as an assistant coach.
In 2012-13, MacDonald became the head coach Notre Dame College in Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hounds and remained so for two seasons. MacDonald became an assistant coach with the Acadie-Bathurst Titans of the QMJHL last season.
“We are very excited to be able to add Kris to our coaching staff at Acadia. It is very important for us to bring somebody here who understands the fabric of the Axemen Hockey program in academics, community and commitment on the ice”, pointed out Burns.
Burns added, “Kris is a very passionate and dedicated person who has worked very hard in building his coaching resume by spending time coaching at the prestigious Notre Dame College in Wilcox, Sask. and with the Acadie-Bathurst Titans.”
Prior to his time at Acadia, MacDonald played his final year of junior hockey with the Summerside Western Capitals of the Maritime Hockey League after two seasons with Acadie-Bathurst and PEI Rocket of the QMJHL.
MacDonald is excited about the opportunity to return to Acadia University. “Acadia’s athletic program has really taken off over the past few years under the leadership of Director Kevin Dickie and his staff.”, pointed out MacDonald.
“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to move back to the Valley and join the Acadia Axemen coaching staff. I’m looking forward to working with Darren, Mark (Richards) and Mike (Alcoe)”, said MacDonald. “Darren and his staff have really taken the program to another level having coming off two straight CIS National appearances. It’s an exciting time for program”.
The Axemen open training camp on September 11th followed by an exhibition games against Moncton on September 23rd and at home hosting the Brock Badgers on September 25th and 26th. Acadia concludes their exhibition season in the U.S.A. at Boston University on October 3rd and Vermont University on October 4th.