Stingrays sign McDonald

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - The South Carolina Stingrays, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Washington Capitals and American Hockey League's Hershey Bears, have signed defenseman Jon McDonald for the 2023-24 season.

McDonald, 25, spent the last five seasons with UMass-Lowell River Hawks and suited up for 10 games for the Toledo Walleye last season following the conclusion of his college career.

The Livonia, Michigan native played in 142 career games for the River Hawks and earned the reputation of a stay-at-home defenseman. McDonald's college teammates voted him the Defensive Player of the Year in each of his last four seasons with UMass-Lowell. McDonald is only the second River Hawk to be named Defensive Player of the Year four straight times. In 2022-23, McDonald captained the River Hawks, led the team in assists (17), and finished second on the team in blocks (48) in 35 games.

Prior to his NCAA career, McDonald spent two seasons with the Fargo Force in the United States Hockey League. McDonald was an alternate captain when the Force captured their first Clark Cup championship in 2018.