Behind the ECHL Benches - Matt Macdonald, Cincinnati Cyclones

Matt Macdonald was named the eighth head coach in club history on Aug. 12, 2014 after spending the previous two seasons as the team’s assistant coach. A native of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Macdonald helped contribute to the Cyclones back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 2013 and 2014, as well as a Kelly Cup Finals appearance in 2014.

As a player, he spent parts of three seasons in the Queen City, logging 119 regular season games and 44 points (5g-39a). Macdonald also contributed with 14 points (5g-9a) in 44 Kelly Cup Playoff games and was a member of Cincinnati's first-ever Kelly Cup title squad in 2008. During that season, he served as an alternate captain. In addition to his ECHL experience, the former defenseman also saw time in the American Hockey League, Central Hockey League and in Denmark. Collectively, he skated in 385 games as a professional and collected 133 points (30g-103a) with 732 career penalty minutes. While playing in Denmark during the 2010-11 campaign, he helped his team capture a Bronze Medal and was a Danish Cup champion.

Prior to going pro, Macdonald was a four-year letter winner at St. Lawrence University, where he amassed 30 points (14g-16a) and 131 penalty minutes in 118 career collegiate games. Macdonald resides in Cincinnati with his wife, Erin, their four-year-old daughter, Hazel, and two-year-old son, Max.

Coaching Record		Reg. Season				Playoffs
Season	Team	Gms	W	L	T	Gms	W	L
2014-15	Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL)	72	31	30	11	---	---	---
2015-16	Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL)	72	36	27	9	7	3	4
2016-17	Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL)	72	36	29	7	---	---	---
	ECHL Totals	216	103	86	27	7	3	4