Ethan MacDuff developed into an offensive forward over his three seasons with the Fernie Ghostriders scoring 45 goals, 56 assists for 101 points in 83 regular season games. His rookie season was impacted by COVID-19. Now, the Lloydminster, Alta., native is in his second season with the University of Southern Maine Huskies in NCAA Division 3, playing with another KIJHL alum in Kayde Kinaschuk, who played for the Columbia Valley Rockies. Kinaschuk will be the alum feature next week.
MacDuff has four points in 14 games this season and 16 points in 36 career regular season games.
KIJHL communications director Emanuel Sequeira connected with MacDuff to talk about his season with the Huskies and his time in the KIJHL. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
KIJHL: What has your season been like and how do you feel you have been playing?
EM: I’ve been pretty happy with it so far. We’ve got a good group this year, but had a bit of a rocky start, but I like where we’re at right now. We dealt with some injuries, but we’re coming together well as a team. Personally, I think I’ve been playing well. It’s been an adjustment—definitely a different style—but I like how I’m contributing and where we’re headed.
KIJHL: What has it been like playing at this level?
EM: It’s been a lot of fun. The KIJHL was a great experience, but moving up to the next level has been a challenge—and a fun one. The Olympic-sized ice surface is different compared to the smaller rinks in the KIJHL, so it’s been an adjustment.
KIJHL: Coming into the season, what did you want to accomplish personally that will help your team win?
EM: I see myself as an offensive player and I want to make an impact every night. Even if I’m not scoring or getting points, creating chances and offensive momentum is crucial. Being responsible in the defensive zone and supporting the back end is also a big focus for me.
KIJHL: What has it been like for the two of you to be teammates after battling each other in the KIJHL?
EM: Those last two years we played, we met in the first round and had two six-game series. He was their leading goal scorer, one of the leading goal scorers in the league, so naturally, I hated him (he laughs). Now we’re roommates. He’s the only guy I really knew coming into freshman year. I met him the summer before. It’s been good ever since. I’m a lot happier to be on the same side of the puck as him, that’s for sure.
KIJHL: How did your time in the KIJHL help you make the transition to college hockey?
EM: It was huge for me. When I first joined the KIJHL, I was a smaller player and didn’t really have my role yet. The league helped me discover what kind of hockey player I was. The year after COVID, I started as more of a defensive forward before breaking out offensively in my 20-year-old season. That development was key in earning my college opportunity.
KIJHL: What did you enjoy about your time in the league?
EM: Playing in Fernie was incredible. The fans are unbeatable—the atmosphere is crazy. The KIJHL operates professionally, and we were treated really well. The fans were amazing and just being in the mountains was incredible. The location was great and the KIJHL has a lot of great little towns.