NOTTINGHAM, UK – Nottingham Panthers player-coach Corey Neilson has completed his forward lines with the addition of University of Alberta Golden Bears forward Ian McDonald. Elsewhere, Martin Cingel returns to Edinburgh Captials.
A first signature for the UK powerhouse club from the CIS league, McDonald is an older graduate at 25, having previously spent some years as an impact but undrafted forward in the WHL with Tri City Americans where he shared the ice with current NHL goaltender Carey Price.
A University Cup MVP in 2008 with the Golden Bears, McDonald followed that up with a championship win in University Canada West in 2009-10, leading the Golden Bears to the University Cup finals.
An unknown league to many UK hockey fans, the CIS Cup is full of ex-Major Junior players like McDonald who have had standout careers then taken the opportunity to gain an education via the CIS route. Recent examples of players coming to this country who have played in the league include Eric Braff (Basingstoke Bison) and Wes Jarvis (Basingstoke Bison & Cardiff Devils) both of whom have proved solid acquisitions.
Winning Graduate of the Week many times during his years with the #1 ranked Golden Bears, McDonald will fly under the rader of many UK hockey fans but could prove to be one of the signings of the summer having been voted Best Forward and MVP for Tri-City in his WHL years followed by leading the WHL in Assists. The Assist leaders either side of McDonald were Ryan Stone (Edmonton Oilers) and 8th overall pick Zach Hamill (Boston Bruins).
During that year he also outscored Colton Yellow Horn (former EC Red Bull Salzburg), Adam Cracknell (Peoria Rivermen, AHL), Blake Comeau (New York Islanders) and Logan Stephenson (Adirondack Panthoms, AHL) amongst others.
Elsewhere, Martin Cingel returns to Edinburgh Capitals for his 9th season with the club and British forward Sam Zajac has confirmed he will play EIHL hockey this coming season.
Contact the writer: phil.andrews@prohockeynews.com
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