Cornell University Athletics

Senior Season — 2014-15
MacDonald was a work horse for the Big Red, and one of just three defensemen to play in all of the season's 31 games. He had two goals and seven assists for nine points, which ranked second among defensemen on the team and seventh overall. His first goal came on a blistering snap shot from the top of the left circle during the third period of a Jan. 9 game at St. Lawrence, then his second was exactly a week later when he finished off a pretty goal on a two-on-one by shoveling a backhand over the shoulder of Union goalie Alex Sakellaropoulos. After the season, MacDonald signed a standard player contract with the ECHL's Elmira Jackals.

Junior Season — 2013-14
MacDonald enjoyed a breakout season, with seven of his eight points coming in the final two months of the campaign. He seamlessly made the transition to a top-four defenseman, frequently jumping into the play offensively while providing a physical presence and logging minutes in all situations. His first collegiate goal came Jan. 25 against Clarkson, when he swooped in from the right corner to collect a rebound of an Eric Freschi shot and tucked it around Golden Knights goalie Steve Perry. MacDonald then posted five points in the final five games of the regular season, including a power-play goal and an assist Feb. 22 at Princeton. MacDonald then assisted on both Big Red goals in regulation time of a 3-2 overtime victory against Harvard on March 1. His plus-6 rating for the season was tied for the team lead.

Sophomore Season — 2012-13
MacDonald made a big jump from seldom-used depth defenseman to a regular shift in his second season, demonstrating significantly improved strength and puck-moving decisions. He appeared in all but one game, also getting some time on one of the Big Red's power-play units. He had three assists, including two on the team's weekend trip to Dartmouth and Harvard. The first was also his only career point at Lynah Rink through two seasons, helping to set up Brian Ferlin's goal against Yale on Jan. 25. 

Freshman Season — 2011-12
MacDonald worked his way into the lineup for eight games. He tallied an assist in his first career game, helping set up Cole Bardreau’s goal early in the Big Red’s 4-2 win on Nov. 11 at Harvard. He also accumulated a plus-3 rating, ensuring that all eight defensemen on the Big Red roster finished above even in plus/minus.

Prior to Cornell
MacDonald played in 58 games on the season for Waterloo of the USHL, finishing the season with eight goals and 22 assists for 30 points, tying him for ninth among all defensemen in the league. He spent two seasons at Waterloo, appearing in a total of 87 games and scoring 40 points with 12 goals and 28 assists. MacDonald also helped his club to the playoffs both seasons and earned league defensive player of the week honors on Jan. 17, 2011.

Personal
Jacob Edward MacDonald is the son of William MacDonald and Lorinda MacDonald and has a younger brother. He is enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.