He was a face around the Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens in Trenton for 14 years and now he is getting a call to the hall.
John McDonald is being inducted into the Ontario Junior Hockey League Hall of Fame, in the builder category.
McDonald, who was a professional hockey goaltender, along with a World Fastball Champion with Team Canada, served in numerous roles, with numerous teams, around southeastern Ontario junior hockey.
He worked on the Hockey Ops side with the Streetsville Derbys, Aurora Tigers, and Markham Waxers, as well as in Trenton.
With the G-Hawks, McDonald worked on the business side, selling tickets and sponsorships, along with merch, and taking players on community visits.
He also served as general manager, and director of hockey operations, but joined the team as a scout.
McDonald says the highlight of his time in junior hockey was the people in Quinte West.
“I asked for help, I asked for volunteers, just some great people, everybody stepped up. It was fantastic working with the people in this town. They made it fun and they made the whole damn thing go.”
His coach and GM for much of his time in Trenton was Jerome Dupont.
McDonald says both he and Jerome credit Ron Finney and Sandy Smith, the ownership under his tenure, with leading by example.
“Rod and Sandy were just unbelievable to work with. Anything we ever asked for this town, Rod and Sandy stepped up. That was the highlight of it, was working, working with those three gentlemen (including Dupont) and then the people.”
A full statement from McDonald can be read below.
Pam, Steve, and Dalton Bancroft with John McDonald of the Trenton Golden Hawks (Andy Corneau / OJHL Images)
“I want to thank every one that made this incredible honor possible.First and foremost, I want to thank the OJHL Hall of Fame and the selection committee for this recognition. It truly means the world to me to be acknowledged in this way.This moment would not be possible without the support and encouragement of so many people. I am especially grateful to all my family, to my amazing wife of 61 years who lost her battle to cancer 4 years ago, and my children and all my family.Thank you for your love, patience, and understanding. I know that the long hours and time spent away from home have not been easy. Your support, love and encouragement have meant the world to me.To my friends and mentors, thank you for your guidance, wisdom, and for always pushing me to reach further and teaching me the true aspects of the gameTo all my colleagues, players and, especially the fans and everyone involved in this incredible journeyWorking alongside such passionate individuals has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey.” John McDonald
John McDonald of the Trenton Golden Hawks in his office prior to the game at the Duncan McDonald Memorial Gardens on October 28, 2022 in Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Amy Deroche / OJHL Images)
