M&M Thunder Youth Hockey Celebrates the Success of Former Player Ava McDonald
The M&M Thunder Youth Hockey program proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of former player Ava McDonald, whose dedication, talent, and leadership have propelled her to the highest levels of youth and high school hockey in Wisconsin. Ava’s journey—from first stepping onto the ice with M&M Thunder at just four years old to becoming one of the state’s most decorated high school defensemen—is an inspiring example of what passion, perseverance, and community support can accomplish.
She remained with the Thunder program through the 12U girls’ season while also dual rostering as a goalie for the Green Bay Bobcats U14 girls team, showcasing her versatility early in her career. During the spring seasons, Ava earned a roster spot on the Green Bay Hornets AAA team for six consecutive years and later balanced play between the Green Bay Bobcats and the M&M Thunder Bantam program, competing as both a skater and a goalie.
At 14 years old, Ava reached another major milestone when she made the Team Wisconsin Tier 1 U19 roster, beginning her career in one of the state’s premier development programs. During her freshman year at Menominee High School, she continued playing with the M&M Thunder team before transferring to Notre Dame Academy in Green Bay to pursue both academic and athletic opportunities while joining the Bay Area Ice Bears varsity program.
Ava quickly became a key contributor, serving as Team Wisconsin’s 16U captain during her sophomore season while helping lead the Ice Bears to a state championship game appearance. Her junior year saw the Ice Bears capture the State Championship with an 8–0 victory over Wausau, and she continued her leadership with Team Wisconsin’s 19U team, serving as captain her senior year and competing in elite tournaments including the North American Hockey Academy Tournament in Boston. In her senior season, Ava served as assistant captain for the Bay Area Ice Bears, anchoring the defense and helping lead the team to back-to-back State Championships.
Along the way, Ava has earned numerous individual honors recognizing her exceptional play, work ethic, and leadership.
Notable Awards and Recognition
Sophomore Year
• Bay Area Ice Bears Defenseman of the Year
• Honorable Mention Eastern Shore Conference Defenseman
Junior Year
• Bay Area Ice Bears Defenseman of the Year
• All Eastern Shore Conference Defenseman (Second Team)
• Finalist for the Molly Enstrom Award (“The Molly”) for Wisconsin’s top defenseman
• Honorable Mention All-State Defenseman
• USA Today Northeast Wisconsin Player of the Year Nominee
Senior Year
• All Eastern Shore Conference First Team Defenseman
• All-State First Team Defenseman
• Winner of the Molly Enstrom Award – Top Defenseman in the State of Wisconsin
• Finalist for the Rachel Kenyon-Bible Unsung Hero Award
• Miss Hockey Finalist
• Quench Player of the Week – Wisconsin Prep Hockey
Beyond statistics and accolades, Ava has been widely recognized for her relentless work ethic and leadership. Off the ice, Ava’s commitment to community is equally impressive. She volunteers at homeless shelters and food pantries, helps organize a memorial hockey tournament that raises funds for youth hockey, and spends time assisting young children learning to skate and play hockey. She balances these contributions while maintaining an outstanding 4.021 GPA.
Ava will continue both her academic and hockey career at St. Norbert College, where she plans to study pre-med while competing at the collegiate level.
Reflecting on her journey, Ava shared: “My hockey journey wouldn’t be what it has been without each steppingstone along the way. Every association, coach, teammate, and team has helped me grow into the player I am today. I want to thank Thunder Hockey for beginning my love for the sport. To Ice Bears and Team Wisconsin, thank you for pushing me to reach my potential as a hockey player and creating a path to continue my hockey career in college. I am so appreciative to all teams for giving me lifelong friends and memories I can cherish forever.”
The M&M Thunder Youth Hockey community is incredibly proud of Ava’s achievements and grateful to have played a part in the beginning of her hockey journey. Her success reflects not only her personal dedication but also the strength of the youth hockey community that helped support and shape her path. Congratulations, Ava, on everything you have accomplished. Your Thunder family is cheering you on as you begin the next chapter of your journey.