The Chronicle Herald (Provincial)
Scoring star Mackay selects STU
St. Thomas University's hockey program has come calling and Salmon River's Natalie Mackay has answered.
Mackay, a star forward with the Northern Subway Selects U-18 female team, recently committed to the Fredericton-based university to continue her hockey and academic career.
“It was really the best choice for me personally; it's where I can accomplish everything I want to do academically and athletically,” Mackay said, after a recent Selects' practice at the Hector Arena in Pictou.
“My goal is to become a physiotherapist when I'm done, so STU is definitely the place for me to get to where I want to be.”
The career aspiration is tied to Mackay's athletic endeavours as she has seen teammates go down in the past with injuries and great work by physiotherapists that helped them get back to the game they love.
“They all seem to mention a physiotherapist they would go see for help, so that is what I want to do; help athletes get back to their game as quick as they can.”
Mackay's talents may be hard on the health of opposition goaltenders and defenders as she has amassed an impressive two-points pergame pace, with 24 in a dozen contests. Her totals included 14 goals.
Asked about her game, the Grade 12 Cobequid Educational Centre student modestly pointed out her detailed, hard-working style, rather than her exploits at finishing around the net.
“I think I'm forechecking and backchecking hard, getting pucks out of the corners and battling well,” said Mackay, the leading scorer for the Maritime Major (U18) Female Hockey League. “Keeping my teammates' energy up and the motivation going for everyone.”
As for areas to work on as she gets ready to move to Atlantic University Sport next season, Mackay selected a word every coach would love to hear from their athlete.
“Everything,” she said, before picking out a few to prioritize. “I need to work on my speed and agility, and I can always work on and improve my shot.”
Her coach next season, Peter Murphy, said Mackay “brings a lot to the table.”
“She is a power forward who can win pucks on the boards and get them to scoring positions," Murphy said. “She has been a goal scorer at every level she has played. What I like most about Nat is her ability to make others around her better. She is a team first player and, that, coupled with being a strong student, will drive her success at the next level."
Like their male counterparts in U-18 Major hockey, and the well-regarded provincial U-15 league, Mackay and the Selects are waiting for the OK to return to league action after growing COVID19 cases, especially in Nova Scotia's Central Zone, forced a hiatus.
“We're not taking anything for granted. We're probably one of the only places that is still playing some hockey right now in Canada,” Mackay said, in reference to the fact that her team can, at least, practice. “So, we're taking the opportunity we can to get better.”
Get better and improve, that is, on a year that has already featured nine wins in 12 games, with only one loss and two ties. That's good for 20 points and a five-point edge over Station Six Fire, in the Nova Scotia division.
“It's going awesome,” Mackay said. “We have a great group of girls. It's a tight-knit little family going on here, for sure. We're all positive and keeping each other motivated.”
And with her commitment in mind, Mackay gave a shout-out to those who have helped her achieve.
“My parents (Tracey and Bobby) and brother (Connor), they definitely have pushed me to become the person I am today, and our (Selects) coach Craig Clarke, he has been there for me the whole way.”