Offseason Check-in: Cole MacDonald
EVERETT – It’s the time of year when Everett Silvertips players are living the lives of regular teenagers. They are back at home with their parents, working summer jobs, and hanging out with friends. Silvertips broadcaster Travis Huntington is touching base with players during the offseason to find out what they’re up to when they’re not spending every day on the Comcast Arena ice.
This time Travis catches up with defenseman Cole MacDonald, who is preparing for his second WHL season with the Silvertips. As a 17-year-old rookie last year, MacDonald posted a total of nine points (2g/7a) and 23 penalty minutes in 60 appearances. He then scored one goal in five playoff games with the ‘Tips to cap off his first year. Cole has spent the offseason at his home in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, which is located about one hour south of Edmonton.
Travis Huntington: Hey Cole – good to talk to you again. The offseason is just about over now, but how has the summer been treating you over the past few months?
Cole MacDonald: It’s been going pretty well. After the season I was focused mostly on finishing my classes and getting ready for graduation. Since then I’ve just been taking things easy and enjoying my time with friends and family.
TH: So you are now officially a high school graduate – that’s very exciting. Congratulations!
CM: Yup, I sure am. Thank you. It definitely felt good.
TH: So what have you been doing with your free time since you finished school?
CM: Mostly training for next year. I train for five days a week and I get on the ice to skate at least two times a week, so it’s been busy getting ready for the upcoming season. We usually get some sprints in and do some weightlifting, and then go running outside a couple times a week to help us get in better shape for the season.
TH: So obviously you’re working hard to get yourself ready for hockey, but you’ve got to take a break sometimes too, right? Have you done anything fun on the side?
CM: Oh yeah. I just got home from Nova Scotia a few days ago actually. We went out there for two weeks to visit the rest of my family, so it was nice to get away for a while and just relax.
TH: Do you have quite a bit of family out that way then?
CM: Yeah, both of my parents are from Nova Scotia and all their relatives still live out there, so we went down to visit them. We usually get out there once every summer to hang around with family for a couple weeks. It’s always nice to relax, go out to the beach and spend time with everyone, even though it seems like it always rains when we’re there.
TH: Sounds like a fun time. So as far as day-to-day activities other than your workout, what do you like to do with yourself over the summer?
CM: Um… this summer I’ve just been trying to lay low and do my best to enjoy the time that I have while I’m here. Mostly hanging out with friends and stuff like that.
TH: Most people down here aren’t very familiar with your area, so tell us about your hometown. What kind of place is it? What do you do with your buddies for summer fun in Wetaskiwin, Alberta?
CM: (laughs) Well, there isn’t really much to do here honestly. We usually play some video games and maybe go see a movie, but that’s about it. It’s a pretty small place. I guess it’s a medium-sized town. There’s a lot of farming around here, and it can be kind of a rough place sometimes.
TH: Okay, movies have been kind of a common theme in these conversations with the guys. So what’s the best movie you’ve seen this summer?
CM: I’d have to say Despicable Me 2. I love those little yellow minion guys.
TH: I like that answer. How about this one: if you were to pick a teammate who most closely resembled one of the minions, who would you choose?
CM: Oh jeez (laughs), that’s a tough one…
TH: I’ll give you a second to think about it, because I’m pretty interested to hear what you come up with.
CM: I don’t know… I think I’ll go with Bauml, because he’s a little guy. Plus he’s my roommate, and I guess I just like to pick on him a little bit.
TH: And the short guy is kind of an easy target when you’re comparing teammates to minions.
CM: Oh yeah. He’s an easy target for sure.
TH: So what’s another interest you have or something you do for fun that the fans might not know about?
CM: I don’t know if it would surprise anyone, but I like to golf a lot. I try to spend as much time as possible out on the course, but this summer I haven’t been able to get out there much.
TH: Are you any good out on the links?
CM: I’m decent I guess. I’m good at my home course, but when I play other courses I’m probably only fair. I just like going out and hitting the ball around. I’d like to say it helps me blow off steam, but the way I play it gets frustrating sometimes. I usually go out and play with my brother Brian, who is 21. I enjoy competing against him because he’s always been better than me, so I’m always trying to beat him.
TH: Nothing like some healthy competition between siblings. Of course you’ll be heading down here to Everett next week to get started with training camp. Other than family & friends, what will you miss the most about home once you’re back down here in the States?
CM: That’s a good question. I’d probably have to say Tim Hortons.
TH: Ahhh… good choice (laughs). Tim Hortons is like a religion up there isn’t it? What is your “go-to” order at Timmies?
CM: Oh yeah. It’s the coffee that makes everyone crazy up here. I don’t drink coffee at all though; I think it’s gross. I’d have to say my favorite order is the Turkey Bacon Club sandwich… and a Boston Crème donut.
TH: Sounds delicious. Alright – flipping that question around now: what do you enjoy most about living in Everett during hockey season?
CM: I just like that it’s so nice down there and it’s quite a bit different than up here. It’s nice to be living in a city and being close to so many things. I usually enjoy going down to the lake with the guys, which is something I don’t really get to do up here. I’m looking forward to getting back to see my billet family again, and just getting back into the hockey. That’s always the best part about going back down there!
TH: And it won’t be long before you are back in town, either. Your second season with the Silvertips is coming fast; how excited are you to get this thing rolling?
CM: I’m really excited to get started again. Last year I just kind of had to go with the flow in my first year, but this year I want to prove myself, play a little more and contribute more to the team.
TH: Well we appreciate you taking the time to chat. It was good talking to you and we’ll see you next week at camp!
CM: Alright, sounds good. Thank you!
The Silvertips are currently preparing for our 11th year in the WHL. Season tickets and mini-game packages for the 2013-14 WHL season are available now at the team office. Visit our website or call 425-252-5100 for more information. To keep up with all the latest team news, “like” the Everett Silvertips Hockey Club on Facebook or follow @WHLSilvertips on Twitter.
