By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Overcoming adversity or facing a difficult challenge is a valuable life lesson that can often be learned in an athletic setting.

Natick High’s hockey captain — Brendan MacDonnell — is a dynamic example because his situation involved a serious injury that needed immediate attention. 

A junior last year, the 6-foot, 160-pound forward was on the ice in the second period of the Redhawks’ game against King Philip on Dec. 22, 2021. He checked a KP player with his left shoulder. The opposing skater went down and MacDonnell seemed okay. The contact was clean and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. 

During the second intermission, however, MacDonnell told a teammate his stomach “felt horrible.’’ He took a shift in the third period for 1½ minutes, returned to the bench, his complexion was pale and his vision went from blurred to dark to normal. 

MacDonnell told assistant coach Pat Haswell what was occurring. “A whistle came, the coach signaled to a referee, I left the bench, took two steps and collapsed on the ice,’’ MacDonnell said. “I passed out a second time and that’s when an EMT rushed towards me. I was placed on a stretcher and taken by ambulance to Framingham Union Hospital.’’

When internal bleeding was evident, MacDonnell was transferred to Children’s Hospital in Boston where he stayed for four days, including Christmas. “I was diagnosed with a lacerated spleen,’’ he said. “For three days, I was monitored for bleeding and when it stopped, I was released.’’

What followed was a rest-and-recovery period that took 6½ weeks. No surgery was needed.

“I had pain for two weeks and felt weak but the pain subsided and I returned to school during the third week,’’ MacDonnell said. “I worked out on a stationary bike the last two weeks of rehab. While I was recovering, I was able to get to the rink, see some games and watch the team practice.’’

Head coach Bill Lacouture, who was on the ice when MacDonnell was struggling to maintain consciousness, calls his senior captain “a warrior.’’

“Brendan is special,’’ Lacouture said. “When he got hurt, he lost a lot of blood. But, he followed doctors’ orders and let his body heal. He missed 11 games but supported his teammates by coming to the rink. He finished his junior year playing 12 games, getting a goal and five assists.

MacDonnell’s first game back after the injury was on Feb. 5, 2022 against Framingham and he wasn’t timid about contact. “I was ready to go and wasn’t fearful at all,’’ he said. Lacouture recalled how MacDonnell applied a quick check in the Framingham encounter. “He hit a player and it was obvious that Mac was back.’’

A terrific leader, the 17-year-old MacDonnell has lots of strengths and his coach is quick to list them. “Brendan is talented, has a high hockey IQ and his work ethic and speed are incredible,’’ said Lacouture. “He’s determined to win and as the team captain he’s empowered others to lead. He not only leads on the ice, but also off it. He encouraged our players to continue their strength and conditional drills during the summer.’’

At Local Town Pages deadline, MacDonnell had 4 goals and 5 assists and Natick was 4-5 through its first 9 games.

Able to play wing or center, MacDonnell likes his role as a forward. “I like being on offense,’’ he said. “It’s fun to battle in the corners or behind the net. A center can even get involved on defense by helping clear the zone and it’s also a position where play-making and passing are important.’’

A native of Natick, MacDonnell stared playing organized hockey as a six-year-old and for nine years competed at the club level for the Natick Comets.

Setting goals and objectives are important and MacDonnell started the season with some specifics. 

“My team goals are to compile a plus-.500 record, win the Carey Division of the Bay State Conference, qualify for the tourney and go as deep as possible,’’ he noted. “My personal goals are to stay healthy and be the best captain I can be. I believe my team goals are realistic because we’ve got talent, experience and depth.’’

A captain who leads by example, by being supportive and communicative, MacDonnell is appreciative of all his teammates, especially junior Jack Byrne, the assistant captain. “Jack is a fine leader, a strong defenseman and just a great teammate,’’ MacDonnell noted. “And, I’m pleased to be playing for coach Lacouture. He’s a terrific motivator, a good leader, he’s supportive and helps us to succeed.’’

Now in his third varsity season, MacDonnell says the best game of his career was the Framingham clash last year. “I didn’t get a goal or an assist but I was so determined to get back on the ice after the injury,’’ he emphasized. “My passion for hockey was re-ignited. That game was on a Saturday afternoon against our archrival. The stands were packed and the atmosphere was amazing.’’

An honor-roll student, MacDonnell isn’t sure where he’ll go to college or whether he’ll continue to play hockey. “I plan on majoring in business management and if I go to a Division 3 college, I may try out for the varsity team. I could also play at the club level,’’ he said.

Calling his parents (Angi and Patrick) role models for their support and encouragement, MacDonnell relies on a competitive philosophy that focuses on hard work, determination and reaching one’s potential. “Winning is fun and it’s a by-product of a strong work ethic,’’ he said.

Life lessons MacDonnell has learned from hockey include “overcoming adversity, how to be a quality leader and how to achieve success through hard work.’’

Lacouture on occasion will reflect on his captain’s positive demeanor and his mature outlook. 

“It was scary when he got hurt last year,’’ Lacouture said. “I’m thankful Brendan confided in coach Haswell and I’ll never forget the quick attention that the fire department and athletic director Tim Collins provided, and the help he got from our trainer (Lindsay Twohig). And, Brendan’s parents are outstanding people, always supporting our program and getting others involved.’’

Brendan MacDonnell isn’t a poster child for overcoming challenges because he simply handled his situation courageously, adhered to his doctors’ advice and bounced back quickly.

“The injury made me stronger,’’ he said. “It helped me realize that I could get through a difficult trial.’’