Two Pride players selected
MacEachern goes to Rimouski, MacDonald taken by Saint John
Declan MacEachern made franchise history for the Charlottetown Bulk Carriers Pride on Saturday afternoon.
The left-winger from Charlottetown was the first member of the Pride organization to be drafted by a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team on Saturday. The Rimouski Oceanic took MacEachern in the sixth round, 98th overall.
“It’s a great organization,” said MacEachern, who had 18 points in 33 regular-season games last season. “I’m looking forward to getting the chance to show my skills to them. I’m really excited.”
Centre Josh MacDonald, who also played with the Pride in the New Brunswick/P.E.I. Major Midget Hockey League last season, was chosen by the 2016-17 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League-champion Saint John Sea Dogs in the 10th round, 164th overall.
MacEachern
MacEachern, who’s from Charlottetown and attends Grade 10 at Colonel Gray High School, said he is leaning towards attending training camp, and said he is thrilled to be picked by the Oceanic. MacEachern, who registered 18 points in 33 regular-season matches, did not attend the
draft as he was participating in the P.E.I. School Athletic Association track and field championships at UPEI, but he was able to watch his selection live with his father, Dave (Eli) MacEachern. “My dad and I were in the living room anxiously awaiting to see my name come up on the screen,” offered the 16-yearold MacEachern, who talked to about 10 or 12 teams leading up to the draft.
“I had a good feeling with (Rimouski),” added MacEachern.
Ironically, Oceanic forward Carson MacKinnon of Summerside trains with MacEachern
and his father. MacEachern is looking forward to learning more about Rimouski from MacKinnon.
MacDonald
MacDonald, who is from Cornwall, was both excited and relieved to hear his name called before the Sea Dogs’ hometown fans.
“I was starting to sweat it out,” he admitted. “It’s definitely nerve-racking. You have to stay positive until your name is called.” MacDonald, a Grade 10 French Immersion student at Bluefield High School, also plans on attending the Sea Dogs’ camp. He has identified his skating, shooting and strength as areas he wants to focus on in training this summer. MacDonald, who was second in team scoring with 29 points in 35 regular-season games, is ecstatic to be drafted by the defending QMJHL champions.
“They have a great fan base, atmosphere and they are a hockey town,” he added.