John Maland High School alumni Rylind MacKinnon Makes Waves in the PWHL
John Maland High School alumni Rylind MacKinnon is turning heads as she takes her place in the Toronto Sceptres, a Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) team.
Before making a name for herself in U Sports, MacKinnon honed her skills with the Northern Alberta Xtreme (NAX) program while attending John Maland High School. Her exceptional talent was recognized soon after, when she embarked on her university career with the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds in 2018.
During her rookie season in 2018–19, MacKinnon quickly established herself as a formidable force on the ice. The following season, 2019–20, saw MacKinnon continue to shine, tallying 9 points in 27 games. Although the next season was cancelled due to COVID-19, MacKinnon returned stronger than ever in 2021 as captain.
MacKinnon led the Thunderbirds to their first Canada West Championship, recording 21 points in 20 games. Her outstanding performance earned her the titles of Canada West Defender of the Year and UBC’s Female Athlete of the Year (Marilyn Pomfret Trophy), along with a place on the Canada West All-Star and All-Canadian teams.
In her senior year, she led her team to another Canada West Championship and was once again named a Canada West All-Star.
In MacKinnon’s final season with the Thunderbirds, she led the team to their third consecutive Canada West Championship. She’s also achieved personal milestones by becoming a two-time All-Canadian player and earning her third Canada West All-Star recognition. On February 12, 2024, she became the highest-scoring defender in UBC’s program history, with a total of 81 points.
Throughout her time at UBC, MacKinnon’s leadership skills were undeniable, serving as captain for three years. Her transition to the PWHL marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her career with the Toronto Sceptres. The Black Gold School Division, fans, and teammates alike are eager to see what this talented defender will accomplish next as she continues to pave the way for future generations in women's hockey.