Camp Confidential: Q&A with Kyle McDonough
The 2024 Neely Cup Training Camp wrapped up on Saturday night. As the Winterhawks prepare for the upcoming season, we will continue to feature various Q&As with the players on Winterhawks.com. Next up, second-year forward Kyle McDonough.
How was your summer and what were some highlights?
Kyle McDonough (KM): “Yeah my summer was really fun, I went on a fishing trip to Banfield, Victoria so that was fun. I went salmon and halibut fishing with my family and it was great.”
How does it feel to be back in Portland?
KM: “It’s awesome, it’s great to be back here. It’s a little bit different this year, not seeing most of the guys from last year’s team, but there’s some new faces and I think we have a great group of guys in the room.”
What are you looking forward to most this season?
KM: “I’m just excited to get back on the ice and play in front of the fans, and be able to contribute to the team. I served my time last year playing a role and this year I’m excited to actually contribute and maybe put up some points.”
How does it feel being a part of the leadership group and helping out the younger players?
KM: “It’s pretty special, Gabe (Klassen) and Marcus (Nguyen) helped me out a lot last year coming in and then I got Jordan Duguay living with me so I can share my experiences as a rookie with him and I think it’s really special to go from being the rookie and having two older guys with me all the time to now being the vet who has a rookie with me at all times. I’m going to try and be a leader for him and help him out the best I can.”
What is one thing you’re hoping to achieve both individually and as a team?
KM: “For the team, I hope we have a great season and rebound off of last year. I think the guys coming back have a huge chip on our shoulders going out the way we did last year and we are ready to fight and do the best we can this year. We are hoping to build off of that for the next couple of years. We have a great group of prospects coming up. For myself, I just want to be able to contribute to the team and help the team out as much as possible with my play.”
Overall, what is your favorite memory from your time in Portland so far?
KM: “Winning the Western Conference Championship. That was pretty special. I was able to play in that game and celebrate with the guys in the room who went to battle every night. That was the best part.”
What’s a message to the fans that can’t be here at Neely Cup?
KM: “We wish we could’ve had you out this year, but we appreciate your support and we are going to come out flying this year so be ready.”
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