Cole MacKay: A role model in RED
From the frozen ponds of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, to the packed arena of University of New Brunswick (UNB)’s Aitken University Centre, Cole MacKay’s had an impactful hockey journey, both on and off the ice. Now a standout player for the UNB REDS men’s hockey team, MacKay is not only thriving as a student-athlete, but also making an impact in his community and beyond.
MacKay’s love for hockey began in his backyard, where his father would build a rink each winter.
“It all started there, just me and my dad,” he said.
Hockey runs deep in his family; his grandfather played in the 1950s and 60s, and his father and uncles followed suit, as well as his older brother. For MacKay, joining the ranks was only natural.
Growing up, he honed his skills in Sault Ste. Marie before playing junior hockey with the CHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. His time in junior hockey was pivotal, not just for developing his game but also for fostering a sense of responsibility and community engagement.
“The Greyhounds were very involved in the community,” said MacKay, recalling visits with the team to retirement homes, hospitals, and other local initiatives.
After five years of junior hockey, MacKay faced a crossroads. He knew it was time to leave home and grow both as an athlete and an individual. Several Canadian universities expressed interest, but it was UNB’s phone call that sealed the deal.
“From the start, it felt like a special place—not just for hockey but for academics too,” he said.
“You could tell they cared about you as a person.”
The 2023-24 season was one to remember for MacKay and the REDS. What began as a typical campaign turned into something extraordinary as the team remained unbeaten through the first 20 games. By game 30—a sold-out home matchup—the buzz around their perfect season was palpable.
“It was the best atmosphere ever,” said MacKay.
“The fans were incredible.”
Despite the pressure, MacKay and his teammates kept their focus on their ultimate goal: winning a national championship. For MacKay, the championship wasn’t just about lifting a trophy; it was about honoring the program’s legacy and the veterans who had paved the way.
“We knew we had a special group, and we wanted to make it count,” he said.
As a veteran player, MacKay’s contributions to the team go beyond goals and assists.
“I care deeply about the people around me—my teammates, friends, family,” he said.
“That’s who I am.”
That sense of care extends to his community involvement. As an ambassador for “Hockey Gives Blood,” MacKay has used his platform to raise awareness about blood and stem cell donations. The cause is personal; his cousin battled leukemia as a child and required life-saving treatments.
“Seeing what she went through and how the community rallied around her really inspired me,” said MacKay.
“It’s about doing whatever I can to help others in need.”
Off the ice, MacKay is as driven as he is during a game. Initially pursuing a degree in business, he recently pivoted toward the sciences, inspired by his father, a chiropractor.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the human body and how to help people,” he said.
Shadowing team chiropractors and learning from his father solidified his decision to apply to chiropractic college, where he hopes to make a difference in people’s lives.
MacKay credits hockey for teaching him the discipline and time management skills needed to excel academically.
“Being a student-athlete is a privilege, and I don’t take it lightly. I’m lucky to play the sport I love while pursuing my education.”
For MacKay, giving back is more than an obligation; it’s a way of life.
“I think about all the people who helped me get here—parents, coaches, teachers—and I feel it’s my turn to pay it forward,” he says.
As he looks to the future, MacKay is focused on both short-term and long-term goals. While he hopes to continue his hockey career as far as it will take him, he’s equally passionate about his plans in chiropractic care.
“It all comes back to helping people,” he said.
“That’s what drives me.”