Bemidji State's A.J. Macaulay reflects on winding hockey career

Senior defenseman overcame healthy scratches to earn playing time in final season

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:47am

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A.J. Macaulay, a senior defenseman for the Bemidji State men's hockey team, had to wait until late January to see his first game action this season. After being a healthy scratch for the Beavers' first 26 games, Macaulay has made the most of his opportunity, playing over 10 minutes per game on average. Macaulay, who previously played two seasons at Alaska-Fairbanks, will be honored on Senior Night this Saturday as one of eight seniors on the team.

Why it matters

Macaulay's perseverance and resilience in the face of being a healthy scratch for most of the season is an inspiring story. His ability to stay mentally prepared and make the most of his chance when it came shows the character of a true team player. The Senior Night celebration will be an emotional moment for Macaulay and the other seniors who have dedicated years to the program.

The details

Macaulay was a healthy scratch for Bemidji State's first 26 games this season, but finally got his chance to play on Jan. 30 in Marquette, Michigan. He vowed to make the most of the opportunity, saying he wouldn't "give them a reason to take me out." Macaulay has played just over 10 minutes per game on average, making few mistakes. On Feb. 13, he reached the milestone of 100 career games, with the first 67 coming at Alaska-Fairbanks.

  • Macaulay was a healthy scratch for Bemidji State's first 26 games this season.
  • Macaulay made his season debut on Jan. 30 in Marquette, Michigan.
  • Macaulay played in his 100th career game on Feb. 13 against Minnesota State.

The players

A.J. Macaulay

A senior defenseman for the Bemidji State men's hockey team who previously played two seasons at Alaska-Fairbanks.

Kirklan Irey

One of Macaulay's roommates on the Bemidji State hockey team, who described Macaulay as the "ultimate team guy."

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What they’re saying

“I told myself that when I got in the lineup, I wasn't going to give them a reason to take me out. I think it's just playing with toughness and doing all the right things. I'm not going to come in and change the world, but I can be a defenseman they can count on.”

— A.J. Macaulay

“It means the world to us to see him have this kind of run. With A.J., he just shows up to the rink every single day. He's not one to complain about anything. He's going to make everyone around him better, even when he's not playing. That's how we found success early in the season, with guys like him — especially him — showing up to work every single day.”

— Kirklan Irey, Macaulay's Roommate

What’s next

Macaulay and the other Bemidji State seniors will be honored on Senior Night this Saturday, March 4th, when the Beavers host their final regular season game.

The takeaway

Macaulay's perseverance and team-first mentality, even when facing adversity as a healthy scratch for most of the season, is an inspiring example of the character and dedication required to succeed at the Division I college hockey level. His story shows that hard work and a positive attitude can pay off, even when opportunities are limited.