Mark MacKinnon is a pillar at defence for the Briercrest hockey team. The La Salle, Manitoba product is in his third year of the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration program at Briercrest, and has been a rock on the blue line during that time.

Briercrest has improved each season that Mark has been on the team, yet it is not the results on the ice that make Briercrest's hockey program special.

"Many players struggle with managing life after hockey because that's what they've identified themselves as since they were a little kid," Mark says. "Having a team where you are first reminded that you are a brother in Christ, a student, and then a teammate is a good reminder of your priorities."

MacKinnon is well equipped to dominate in the physical aspect of the game. He's protective of teammates and not shy to throw a clean hit, yet he's carved out a reputation for playing a clean, honourable game. He also has a strong mental approach to the game, showing excellent composure and a consistently upbeat attitude. 

Mark's faith is central to the way he approaches his tenure as a Clipper. He talks about one of the ways the team shares this throughout the league.

"Another great thing about being part of Briercrest hockey is the fica [meal and fellowship] after the game,” he explained. “After Friday's game we share a meal with the opposing team [to] engage with them. To me understanding that it's just a game and trying to reach out to the other team is amazing."

This approach to life and to the game certainly does set the Clippers apart from other programs in the ACAC, and Mark embodies this well.

Briercrest is proud to be represented by Mark and wishes him success in all his future endeavours.

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