Article for Providence Bruins Website
Kyle MacKinnon, #10 Center for the Providence Bruins, is known for his hard work and determination on and off the ice. Whether it was achieving stellar grades at Providence College or proving himself a skilled player during his try-out agreement, MacKinnon has met many high goals that didn’t come easily.
Kyle MacKinnon grew up in Walnut, California and had a hockey stick in his hand by age six. Although Kyle was also participating in football and baseball, it was clear to his coaches and teammates that he was standing out on ice in a major way. When MacKinnon was a junior, he decided to pursue his passion and talent for hockey and went to play junior hockey for the British Columbia Hockey League. The decision wasn’t that easy to make, however. “When you’re in high school, it’s a big part of your life and you think it’s the best thing ever. I had to leave some other sports I was playing behind. Now, looking back on it, I don’t regret any of it”, he reflected.
MacKinnon started his junior career playing for the Chilliwack Chiefs in the 2005-2006 season at the age of 17. He recorded 19 goals and 31 assists, which attracted attention from Providence College. The following year, his team became the Langley chiefs and he had an outstanding season recording a team high of 35 goals and 64 assists. Although MacKinnon was clearly working hard on the ice, he never let his grades slip. He worked hard at the high schools in the towns where he played to graduate with honors, and this caught Providence College’s attention even more.
MacKinnon committed to PC, and attended the college in 2007. He played in all games his freshman year totaling ten points, which tied him for second most points scored by a friar freshman. “The pace is definitely faster, we played less games, and these players were the top players in juniors meaning the level of play was a lot better. I had to get accustomed right at the beginning”, MacKinnon said when asked the difference between junior and college hockey. And he definitely became accustomed right away. During his sophomore year, Mackinnon tallied 13 points. He earned the team’s Unsung Hero Award and was also named to the Hockey-East All Academic Team, where a minimal 3.0 GPA was required. This was not the last time the future P.Bruin’s #10 would be recognized for his academic achievements. He was named to this team for each of his following years at PC and as a junior, received the team’s academic award. “Trying hard in school was something instilled in me by my parents. They taught me that school is the most important thing and that’s why I always wanted to play college hockey and not go the major junior route. I just always focused on education”, Mackinnon said of how he maintained good grades. He was a history major, and planned on going to law school if the Providence Bruins had not signed him. Also as a junior, Kyle received an award for most points (25) and an award for most goals (12). During Kyle’s senior year, he tallied 14 goals (23 points), which placed him 2nd on the team for most points. He was the Friar MVP and finished his college career with 71 points in 137 games.
With such a successful college career, MacKinnon became a prospect of interest for the Providence Bruins. When his 2011 season ended, the P.Bruins signed him to a try-out agreement. Providence had MacKinnon practice with the team, and told him he was not guaranteed playing time during games. It was up to him if he wanted to stick around. “It was a great opportunity to just go out and skate with them, and show the coaches what I can do. I wasn’t sure if I would play or not. It was an interesting experience not knowing anyone on the team, but the main thing I focused on was showing the coaches the things I could do on the ice and just play my game. I had to show them my skills and if they liked me, they liked me and if not, at least I tried my best.”
With drive and determination, MacKinnon gave the coaches the right impression. He made his professional debut April 1st at the end of the P.Bruin’s season. He recorded 3 points in 5 games with Providence. Providence signed him to a one year contract at the age of 23 for the following 2011-2012 season. MacKinnon has served as a very productive player for the team, earning 13 goals and seven assists this season. As for his plans for the summer, he hopes to golf a lot with his family and friends from his hometown, which is half hour outside of Los Angeles; a town much different from Providence. He is unsure of his plans for next season. “I’ve had no complaints this year. I really like the coaching staff and the guys on the team. I’ve been in the area so long, so it’d be nice to stay”, MacKinnon says of his hopes for next season. As his history shows, #10 improves each year he plays with a team due to his hard work and focus, so Providence fans should expect a great season from him if his contract is to be extended.