Hugh McDonell - September 1, 2005
Fifteen-year-old Hugh McDonell is a AAA hockey player and a Team Ontario U15 rugby player who's exceptional skill and positive attitude makes him an asset to any team he is involved with.
Hugh began playing hockey at the age of four and continues to excel at the game year after year. He has been assistant captain of the Brantford 99ers AAA hockey team for several years now playing defence for the past five, and contributing to his team winning the league championship for the past four seasons.
In 2002, Hugh was a member and assistant captain of the Brantford 99'ers PeeWee AAA team that travelled to Quebec City to play in the prestigious Quebec PeeWee International Hockey Tournament. His team enjoyed many victories against top-ranked teams from Canada and the US. He was also a member of the Brantford 99'ers Atom AAA team that won the Alliance Championship in 2001.
Hugh was thrilled to be one of only three grade nine students selected to play for the St. John's College varsity hockey team, and contributed to them winning the Brant County Championship and a fourth place finish at CWOSSA.
Hugh was introduced to rugby in grade nine and played the position of outside centre for the St. John's College Midget team. He helped his team win the Brant County High School Championship, then continued on to win the CWOSSA championships and finished as the Barbarian Cup semi-finalists.
Hugh's skill as a sweeper and place kicker won him a spot on the Team Ontario U15 Rugby, a group of 10 players who played at the Magnificent 7's International Rugby Tournament this past July, and brought home the gold. In August Hugh travelled to Newfoundland with the Provincial U15 Rugby team to compete and finish their summer tour.
Hugh has been fortunate to win several MVP awards at numerous tournaments that he participated in over the past 10 years. His friendly nature and positive attitude contributed to his success in a variety of sports; he played soccer for six years, roller hockey for three years, lacrosse for two years, hockey for eleven years and rugby for one. Hugh was a member of the Brantford's Posse's rep lacrosse teams and the Brantford Thunder rep roller hockey team for a few of summers, and has several team championship titles to show for his hard work.
In 2004 Hugh received the Male Athlete of the Year award and was Valedictorian for his grade eight graduating class at Christ the King school. He is a dedicated and hard working student who maintains a 75 per cent average, and still finds time to volunteer at hockey and soccer tournaments.
Hugh's goals for the future include playing in the OHL, earning a hockey scholarship, and working hard at rugby so that one-day he can play for Team Canada.
Congratulations Hugh, and good luck! |
