Features > Player Spotlight- #24 Ryan McDonald
Player Spotlight- #24 Ryan McDonald
by Chris Bilder, Generals Staff Writer
Eugene, OR-
Chris Bilder: This is your second season with the Generals. Compare this season’s team to last season’s team.
Ryan McDonald: I think we’re definitely a younger team, and I think we’re more skilled on the defensive side of the puck. I don’t think we have as much firepower on offense, but the defensive skill helps that. We’re also taking a little bit more time to run the systems because we have a younger team.
CB: You played all 48 games for the Generals last season, but you had an injury last weekend in Tri-City and will be out for a couple of weeks. How are you dealing with the injury?
RM: R.I.C.E I’ll explain that a little bit. Rest. Ice. Compression. Elevation. I’m just not really thinking about it. I’m trying to be happy go lucky, and cheer on the team. We’ll see how it goes in a couple of weeks, but for right now I’m just trying to stay positive.
CB: What does Breast Cancer Awareness Night mean to you?
RM: I love the fact that we’re helping get the word out there about breast cancer, and I love the pink jerseys. They’re awesome!
CB: The team is 4-0 on Breast Cancer Awareness Night. What does the team need to do to make it a 5-0 record?
RM: We need to stick to our systems. We need to run our defensive zone stronger, and stay disciplined with the puck. We need to puck more pucks in the net than the other team.
CB: What are you most looking forward to this season?
RM: Making a playoff run, and trying to get to Nationals.
CB: You are tied for 2nd in points (9) in NORPAC with only three games played. What are your point goals for the season?
RM: I want to average about three points a game, and end up with about 100 points on the season.
CB: What is the strongest part of your game on the ice?
RM: Probably the strongest part of my game is my offensive awareness, and my ability to make plays and get scoring opportunities. And, penalty kill; that’s my favorite.
CB: What is one area that you’d like to work on this season?
RM: I’d really like to work on my defensive skills. Just be able to read defensively and help out in the d-zone.
CB: What are your goals for the team this season?
RM: My goals for the season are to end up first in the division, to make it to the finals and to go to Nationals.
CB: What is your favorite Generals moment?
RM: My spin-o-rama goal last season against Seattle was my favorite moment. It was sweet!