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A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON 18 // SUMMER 2026 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM PHOTOS COURTESY OF The Greg McDonald Foundation The Greg McDonald Foundation Continues To Bring The Game Of Hockey To Others "It shows the impact he had on so many," said Kyle McQuillan, 28. "As long as he is remembered, his legacy of leadership and caring will never die." Not surprisingly, thousands from all over the country, including hundreds of former players, came to Lincoln Financial Field for a celebration of life for McDonald, after he died at age 46 of appendiceal cancer in October 2023. Fortunately, it didn't take his passing for Patti Fox-McDonald to realize the effect her husband had on so many. "Through the years, we would be walking down the street or in the mall, and a kid — now a man — would recognize him and tell him how Greg made them who they are today," said Patti, now president of the Greg McDonald Foundation. "He always wanted to build up his players and the colleagues around him. It just speaks to the impact he had on everyone he touched." Kyle learned much from Greg either as a coach or while interning at the Philadelphia Eagles, where the vice president of financial operations stewarded a nurturing culture during his 24 years there. "He was approachable and caring and willing to do whatever it takes to help you succeed whether he'd known you for 30 seconds or for years," Kyle said. "He could connect with anybody, talk to them and make them feel heard." That appreciation is not surprising when you consider Greg donated much of his free time for 15 years coaching kids well before the USA Hockey Level 5 Certified coach had his own. "All the parents and players knew he was giving up time with his wife and later his young family," Kyle said. "He always found a way to make it work and make you feel that you were the priority. I appreciate what he did a lot more than now that I am older." W HEN PHILADELPHIA-AREA YOUTH COACH GREG MCDONALD passed away, a long-idle group chat of his former players immediately overflowed with examples of what he meant to them. By Joe Paisley