Coach ‘overwhelmed’ by experience
Onslow Mountain native shadows coaches at AHL All-star Classic
Alicia Macdonald was offered the opportunity of a lifetime. The Onslow Mountain native is a wellknown hockey coach throughout Atlantic Canada. In 2023, she coached the Newfoundland and Labrador Women’s Hockey Team and received the 2023 BFL Female Coach of the Year award. She was also assistant coach on Team Atlantic, who competed at the 2023 National Women's U18 Championship last year.
Her efforts in the sport were recognized yet again when she was invited as a mentee to the AHL All-star Classic, a two-day event (Feb. 4-5) where Macdonald was given the opportunity to shadow some high-profile AHL coaches, including Todd Nelson (Hershey Bears), Trent Vogelhuber (Cleveland Monsters), Neil Graham (Texas Stars) and Trent Cull (Calgary Wranglers).
Macdonald, who currently lives in Port Rexton, N.L., spoke to Saltwire about her experience at the event in San Jose, Calif.
Q: Firstly, how did it feel to be selected as a mentee for the AHL All-star Classic? What was your initial reaction?
Macdonald: So, I got a phone call from the Vice President of Hockey Operations with the AHL (Hayley Moore) saying that I’ve been selected to attend, and my reaction was... obviously, I was excited, a little in disbelief, and proud, all at the same time. It’s a great opportunity for females to get involved in the game, and I (was) just overwhelmed for a little bit. I had to get my thoughts and words in order, but yeah, it was really great receiving that phone call.
Q: During the event, you shadowed some high-profile AHL coaches. What did you expect to learn from them?
Macdonald: When I went in there, obviously I anticipated (taking) as much information as I could from the coaches and learn from them, and kind of watch their interactions and how they communicate to the players. When I did get there, it was a lot more relaxed, which I was happy about. They made us feel very welcome.
There (were) four of us coaches in total that attended. They were all super welcoming. We exchanged some information, some tricks of the trade, and also our contact info. So that’s always helpful. They said you can reach out anytime; just let me know if you have any questions. So, just being open to sharing their ideas and information with us was great.
Q: Was there one experience that stood out to you amongst the others while shadowing the coaches?
Macdonald: I think when we were first introduced to the skills competition. We stood on the bench with the coaches and honourary captains of the event. They introduced the two fellows on the other bench who were part of the NHLCA (National Hockey League’s Coaches’ Association) BIPOC program. Then they came to our side of the bench and introduced another female, so she was
first, and just hearing NHLCA female program mentee like her name and then my name... it was just a really special feeling, you know? The crowd’s supportive, and they’re clapping and just excited to see diversity on the bench.
So, yeah, I think I would hold on to those moments. Just being on the bench, meeting the players, talking to AHL staff behind the scenes. Figuring out how they run their season, events, and how things are. It was really great to take that away.
Q: You’ve been an advocate for diversity in hockey. What’s the importance of making hockey more diverse?
Macdonald: Like any job, any part of the world, things are better when they’re diversified. Different ideas, different approaches, and it’s really just about creating positive outcomes and showcasing that. We need to applaud organizations like the NHLCA and AHL for taking these initiatives on because they recognize the value and the work that needs to be done, and they’re starting small and trying to build up to create that change.
Q: What is your coaching style? What does a coach have to be, in your mind?
Macdonald: My coaching philosophy varies based on which team I’m coaching. I’ve coached teams as young as under-13, now under-18 or more. I guess my style is to communicate, have open communication with the players, and honesty, trying to lead by example and creating good habits and work ethics so that they can work themselves to success. It’s just about creating a fun atmosphere – joking around but also being serious when you need to be.
I think the players I’ve coached in the past appreciate the knowledge, the Xs and Os that I bring. I don’t bring a whole lot of energy or motivation. In the dressing rooms, those usually come from the players or other coaches. My speeches are kind of focused on the game, and I think players appreciate that. Just basically trying to make your coaching style based on the players, and it varies every time.
Q: Last year, you shadowed the Newfoundland Growlers coaching staff. How did your experience with the AHL All-star event compare?
Macdonald: The length of time was a bit different – it was through their season. They worked Monday to Friday and then the weekend game. It was interesting to see a full-time coach’s behindthe-scenes daily operations. They’re showing up at 7:30 a.m., working right till 3 p.m., and the players are just going on the ice at 11 a.m. and (are) coming and going. Watching their work and what they do, and the video review, putting clips together and getting presentations set, and then, of course, their pregame routines. Getting into that habit was nice to see, and it was interesting to learn about things that the coaches do to get their players ready before their home games.
In the AHL, it was a bit more relaxed. It was a fun event, the skills competition and the All-stars. These players are at the top of their league. They probably had a little bit more fun than they would normally through the regular season, taking things a little bit easier, but they were still competitive and laughing around the dressing room, so it was fun. It was two very different experiences, but it was fun to be a part of both.
Q: You’re pretty highprofile yourself, from coaching the Newfoundland and Labrador Women’s hockey team at the Canada Games to being named BFL’S Female Coach of the Year in 2023. How do these experiences and recognitions help you develop as a coach?
Macdonald: First off, I was obviously very humbled to receive these awards and even be selected for highprofile teams like the Winter Games or, recently, Team Atlantic. It builds confidence, you know? You’re always kind of questioning yourself, whether you’re good enough. It just makes you have a sense of belonging and to be recognized. Those coaches work very hard and then sometimes do not see what goes on behind the scenes, from practice planning to season planning and stuff like that. It’s things that parents or spectators don’t know a lot about. So, yeah, I think it’s about building confidence. It’s helping me develop, working with different people. I’ve had to work with different coaching staff all along, and it’s always nice to see how different coaches do things, learning from them, and trying to surround yourself with smarter people so you continuously learn.