By Cary Shuman
When the Women’s Beanpot Hockey Tournament needed a former head coach to symbolize its 46 years of glorious history and to recognize the tourney’s previous most outstanding players, Winthrop resident Don MacLeod was the obvious choice for the honor.
For MacLeod was there front and center and behind the bench for the earliest days of college women’s hockey, serving as head coach of the Northeastern team from 1981 to 1993. He compiled a 210-60 record for a winning percentage of .772, still one of the best of all-time.
Between the first and second periods of the 2025 Beanpot championship game at the Garden, MacLeod joined former Hockey East Commissioner in the presentation ceremony.
NU Hall of Fame
recognition
Prior to women’s hockey making its debut at the Winter Olympics in 1998, MacLeod coached the 1990 USA women’s national team to a silver medal. He is an inductee in the Northeastern Hall of Fame individually and as the head coach of the undefeated 1987-88 team. He is also an inductee in the Beanpot Hall of Fame.
Proud of his
contributions to the sport
MacLeod is understandably proud of his legacy in the sport and for setting the foundation for the phenomenal growth and popularity of girls’ hockey in the United States.
“Women’s hockey continues to grow and that is just great to see,” said MacLeod. “It’s creating more opportunities for players to earn scholarships and compete in college and professionally.”
MacLeod said he has been following the pro career of Jillian Dempsey, currently a member of the Boston Fleet, but he indicated that he has never met the former Harvard star and fellow Winthrop resident (MacLeod has lived in Winthrop for 30 years).
“I probably would have had a good shot at coaching in the PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League), but I missed by a few years,” jested MacLeod, who is a spry 89.
MacLeod said several of his former Northeastern players attended this year’s Beanpot and some were recognized on the Garden ice as past MVPs. Northeastern won the Beanpot for the third year in a row and now holds 20 all-time titles, topping the list of the participating Beanpot teams Harvard, BU, and BC.
They can thank Donald MacLeod, the undisputed pioneer of women’s hockey in the United States, for that. His Northeastern teams won eight consecutive titles when he was the head coach.
MacLeod was happy to see the large crowd at the Garden for the Women’s Beanpot Tournament.
“There were more than 13,000 fans in attendance,” noted MacLeod. “That’s the largest crowd in the history of the women’s tournament. I hope to be back next year for my 47th Beanpot after I turn 90.”
And Donald MacLeod will be treated like hockey royalty again – a reception he earned over the past six decades and one that he cherishes.
Congratulations to
Winthrop High teams
Don MacLeod offered his personal congratulations to the 2025 state champion Winthrop High boys hockey team and the 2025 Northeast League champion girls hockey team.
“They both had great seasons,” said MacLeod. “Coaches Dale Dunbar and Butch Martucci and their staffs are doing a great job and Winthrop is a great hockey town. I’m proud of our programs’ successes.”