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Team honours longtime supporter

UPEI raises banner in honour of Donnie MacFadyen's 21 years of involvement

JASON SIMMONDS SPORTS EDITOR Jason.simmonds @theguardian.pe.ca @JpsportsJason

On a day he made history for the UPEI women's hockey program, Donnie MacFadyen quickly deflected the attention away from himself onto the players.

The Panthers had just recorded a 4-2 come-frombehind victory over the country's No. 1-ranked team, Saint Mary's Huskies, on Nov. 28.

A pre-game ceremony that featured the raising of the program's first-ever banner, recognized MacFadyen's 20plus years of contributions.

“I said I don't know which is better, the banner raising or beating Saint Mary's,” said MacFadyen. “When you beat the No. 1-ranked team in the country, it's a pretty special day.”

Make no mistake about it; this day was all about MacFadyen, who was joined by his parents, Gerald and Joyce MacFadyen, at ice level for the ceremony.

Panthers captain Sophie Vandale said it was an important day for the program.

“It's great to have someone representing the women's hockey team with a banner up,” said Vandale, who plays defence. “Donnie does so much for the women's program; it feels so great for him to be recognized and for him to be recognized.”

MacFadyen, who emphasized he has no plans on retiring, described the ceremony as emotional. MacFadyen is honoured, humbled and grateful to have had the opportunity to meet and work with so many young athletes from across the country who he describes as friends.

“I can drive from here to British Columbia and never have to stay at a hotel,” said MacFadyen. “How lucky am I to have had that opportunity, to have had met so many fine young people?”

The ceremony featured a video tribute.

Two emotional moments included a presentation and a hug from Saint Mary's captain Alexa McMillan, followed

by the Panthers posing for a team photo that concluded with each team member hugging MacFadyen individually.

“To be honest, it was special that Saint Mary's was here,” said Donaldson. “We've had a great friendship with their coaching staff and team, and as you can tell, they are first class. They showed up with a gift and a plaque for Donnie.”

MacFadyen founded today's UPEI women's hockey program in 2001. The team had club status the first year and then played two years in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Women's Hockey Conference. UPEI returned to club status for one season before rejoining the AUS for good the following year.

“There was no program at the school at all,” said MacFadyen, a Charlottetown resident who grew up in Augustine Cove. “I got a phone call to ask if I would be interested in coaching.

“With no team there, I didn't know what I was getting myself into. There are some days, 21 years later, I still don't know.”

MacFadyen served as head coach for the program's first five years. Current head coach Bruce Donaldson replaced MacFadyen.

“Bruce said to me, ‘I don't know anything about the AUS, and I need some guidance,'” said MacFadyen. “I said, ‘Yeah, I'll give you a hand for a couple of years. That was 16 years ago. I forgot to leave.”

Asked what he would describe as MacFadyen's best trait, Donaldson immediately answered: commitment.

Donaldson said MacFadyen does everything asked of him, especially for the players.

“I commented to the players in the dressing room after the (Saint Mary's) game that I honestly don't know if there is a team in the country that would have a Donnie and what he brings to the players in terms he's always there for them, and they can count on him day-in and day-out,” said Donaldson. “He doesn't ask for anything in return. He loves being involved and is a special person.”

Donaldson added strong characteristic MacFadyen exhibits is he doesn't judge people.

“He recognizes everybody has abilities,” said Donaldson. “He's a great listener. As long as they are willing to put the work in, he's prepared to help them.”

Over the years, MacFadyen has done it all. Along with being head coach, he has served as an assistant coach, trainer and fundraiser. Today, he serves as UPEI's manager, academic advisor and analyst for webcasts of home games.

But MacFadyen's contributions to the program and players extend far beyond the rink.

“Donnie basically does everything for us, from academic help to hockey, and if your car breaks down, he will be the first person to come and help you,” said Vandale, from Winnipeg, Man. “He is your first phone call when anything goes bad.

“It's kind of nice to have that person here because not too many universities have a Donnie with their team.”

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2021-12-01T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-12-01T08:00:00.0000000Z

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