MacKinnon exploding offensively in final QMJHL season
By Ally Harris
Ryan MacKinnon has never put up numbers quite like this.
The Summerside native has always been solid defensively, but in his first season with the Charlottetown Islanders, he’s added another dimension to his game.
“Normally I’m a ‘take care of my own end first’ kind of guy,” he said. “But this year I tried to expand that a little bit and I seemed to be rewarded a bit. Hopefully that can keep going.”
Through 62 games this season, MacKinnon has posted 10 goals and 38 assists for a career-high 48 points. His previous highs in those categories were 5 goals and 18 assists.
“Ryan’s been nothing short of excellent for us,” said head coach Gordie Dwyer. “He’s got the tools to be an offensive defenceman to go alongside his defensive awareness. He comes ready to play every night and obviously he’s had an excellent season.”
But while improving his offensive numbers, he hasn’t given up any of his responsibilities in his own zone.
“He routinely plays big minutes every night and plays against teams’ top players and he’s a go-to guy in all situations for us. He leads our group on the back end offensively and he’s our leader defensively,” said Dwyer.
Islanders goaltender Mason McDonald said having a guy like MacKinnon in front of him certainly makes life easier.
“He’s the backbone of our defence, he’s our best defenceman. We rely on him heavily every night and he always comes through.”
MacKinnon was brought in at the draft last year from Rimouski in exchange for a first-round pick in that draft and a fifth-round pick in 2015.
He’s enjoyed the opportunity to play in his home province.
“For me it was obviously different getting traded from Rimouski to P.E.I. I haven’t been home for a while and it’s definitely been nice to play in front of a lot of family and friends, which was a nice change.”
“We had discussions with Ryan before the season that it’s a new opportunity for him here in Charlottetown and we want him to just play,” said Dwyer. “I think he’s done a great job of that, of going out and playing and setting an example for his teammates.”
Shortly after returning home, he was named the team’s captain. Dwyer said having guys like MacKinnon has been huge for the young team.
“With our youth movement and having a lot of younger players in the lineup, it’s critical for our team’s success in the future to have players like Ryan. His season will not only have an effect on the team today, but for many years to come. He’s had that kind of impact on our team.”
“He always has a positive attitude, keeps the guys motivated and that’s what you need out of a captain,” said McDonald.
Overall, MacKinnon said he’s pleased with how the season has gone and hopes the success can continue into the playoffs.
“I think for me personally I had a great season. I’ve done a lot of things on and off the ice that seem to have worked and I’m pretty happy with how the season went.”
