Long-time Glace Bay hockey personality John ‘Johnny Hockey ‘ MacDonald passed away Monday, February 15, 2021, at the New Waterford Heights Hospital.

According to Macdonald’s obituary, he was employed with the Cape Breton Development Corporation (Devco) for many years.

Johnny enjoyed playing and coaching many sports, including baseball, hockey, and broom ball. He played with the Huff and Puff Hockey Team for many years, with whom he completely enjoyed being part of. A visit to Tim Horton’s was part of Johnny’s daily ritual, where he met with friends to debate about sports and politics.

Glace Bay Minor Hockey President, James Edwards says one doesn’t get the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey ‘ by not being fully immersed in our sport. “Johnny Hockey was a fixture in Glace Bay hockey circles for as long as anyone can remember,” Edwards said. “He knew every player, their family, team and loved to talk hockey, concluding every sentence with his trademark, know what I mean.”

Long-time friend John Mulvihill says Macdonald was one of the most likeable hockey players you could ever meet and play against and says his motto was to play and have fun.

"Funny story about Johnny was just in the last few years he was in the hospital sitting in his wheelchair chair and someone told him that I was the best golfer at Lingan of course johnny started laughing and the wheel chair tipped over and a nurse came running over and asked johnny what happened," Mulvihill said. "With in a blink he answered her and said John Mulvihill sucker him."

All of us at Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association would like to thank Johnny for his contribution to hockey in Glace Bay. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.