Bonnyville fans will have the chance to cheer on one of their own next year after the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs signed a local player for the 2019/20 season.
Last week, the team announced that Bonnyville-native AJ Macaulay has signed his commitment to wear the Pontiacs jersey.
“It was overwhelming, because I’ve wanted to be a Bonnyville Pontiac before they offered to sign me,” he exclaimed.
Head coach Rick Swan said they were excited to officially sign Macaulay, and that he was “close to making the team this year” after participating in their summer camp.
Macaulay has been a Pontiac fan for as long as he can remember, and was even an honourary captain when he was younger.
“It’s definitely exciting, just taking that next step in front of friends and family and where I grew up. It means something special,” he expressed.
Swan sees Macaulay’s commitment as well-deserved.
“He’s not getting anything handed to him just because he’s from Bonnyville. He had to be a player that has the ability to play at our level, that has the potential to continue to develop at our level, and he also has the character,” he explained. “He comes from a great family, and these are the kids that we want to bring into our organization. It’s just the icing on the cake or a feather in the cap that he happens to be born, raised, and lives in Bonnyville with his family.”
Swan continued, “As an organization, we want to make sure that if we have somebody within our town that’s good enough to play at the Jr. A level, then we want them to be with the Bonnyville Pontiac organization.”
Currently, Macaulay plays for the Northern Alberta Xtreme and has 20 points overall, with four goals and 16 assists.
“He’s had an absolutely tremendous year. He’s created exposure, not only from our organization, but from other teams in Alberta. Had he been of age, I’m sure every team in B.C. would have also been offering him an opportunity to sign and play with their team,” Swan explained.
Becoming a Pontiac is more than just a dream for Macaulay. He believes the opportunity will also help him further his career in the sport.
“I’ve always wanted to play at the next level, and I feel like the Pontiacs can get me even past the junior level. Hopefully, to a NCAA scholarship.”
With the exciting prospect of hitting the ice in his hometown and sporting the Pontiacs jersey, Macaulay turns his focus now to the season ahead.
“I’m with a great team right now that can help me become a better player for next year, so that I’m ready to take the next step to get to the next level,” he said.
