BURLINGTON, Ont. - Arielle MacDonald has been a true leader for the Golden Hawks this season, epitomizing the True Sport approach every time she stepped on the ice.

Taking on the assistant captain position for a second year in a row, MacDonald played in all 26 games this season, averaging 23:47 minutes on the ice.

She led her team in assists with 14 and was the highest-scoring defender on the purple and gold's roster. 

She loved having the puck on her stick when Laurier was on the power play, as the fourth-year blueliner tied the team-high with four goals and led the team with 12 points with the extra attacker on the ice.

Over her four OUA seasons, MacDonald has taken just eight minor penalties (16 PIM). She consistently plays the game with sportsmanship and discipline, while having a positive impact on team results.

MacDonald is also active in promoting the game of hockey in her hometown of New Credit, Ont. where she volunteers with Six Nations minor hockey (U7, U9, U11) to help promote hockey for Indigenous communities.

MacDonald has been recognized by her team for her contributions having been named Rookie of the Year in 2022 and team MVP in 2024. She was also named a U SPORTS academic all-Canadian in 2024.

"We are proud of Arielle for winning the OUA True Sport Award as the player who best displayed a combination of sportsmanship and ability this season," said Laurier women's hockey assistant coach Nik Knezic. "Arielle is an elite player in the OUA who also plays within the confines of the rules. It is extremely difficult to play hard defense and do it within the rules of the game."

"She plays the game hard, defends aggressively, excels offensively, and does it with class and integrity. Arielle has the respect of her teammates, opponents, and officials; she plays the game hard and at an elite level but does it the right way."

-With files from the OUA