John MacDonald

St. Catharines C.Y.O. Minor Hockey is pleased to run our MD Tournament for its 9th Year.

Even prouder still, we are happy to name this tournament in honour of a beloved and cherished Coach, Parish Leader and friend in CYO Minor Hockey for many years.

John MacDonald began coaching within CYO Minor Hockey in the late 1980's after enjoying many years prior as a hockey dad for his son Jamie. Coaching initially in Atom & Bantam, John found a true love and enjoyment in coaching Tyke (5-7 yrs old) players and spent most of his next 12 years introducing young players to the game in Tyke Hockey. Concurrently, John took on numerous roles over the next twelve years including sitting as an Executive Member within the CYO, Assistant and Parish Leader for St. Denis Parish and many years coaching the Tyke Select Program within CYO. John received the 3M Coach Award from the City of St. Catharines in January 2002 where his wife Darla, daughter Lori and son Jamie received it on his behalf.

Alongside the countless hours John volunteered to our Program, John proposed and lead instrumental initiatives in St. Catharines CYO Minor Hockey including Tyke MD (removing the elite to prosper in the Alliance Hockey Tyke Loop while encouraging development within House League) and the proposal of goal caps in the lower divisions to ensure participation and fairness to all developing young players.

John passed away after a courageous battle with cancer - a battle that never deterred his commitment and dedication as coach and Executive member within St. Catharines CYO , having retained his position and duties through to his final days.

John will always be remembered by many within St. Catharines CYO Minor Hockey and indeed in minor hockey across the province for his dedication, support and friendship. We are proud and honoured to have known him and prouder still to name our Program's MD Tournament after him.

John MacDonald   March 30, 1952 - August 7, 2001