Some Maritime born and raised NHL players, like Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon, were pegged for stardom at a young age. Others, like Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Andrew MacDonald, took a much less certain road.

MacDonald played minor hockey in Cape Breton, growing up in the small community of Judique, N.S.

As a young boy, MacDonald says there was one hockey player in particular that he admired.

“Al MacInnis is a local guy, he did a lot for everyone in the community, just by becoming as great as he was,” says MacDonald. “Coming from such a small town, he kinda gave everyone hope that you can get noticed, even in the small areas.”

MacDonald began his junior career with the Truro Bearcats, before joining the Moncton Wildcats as a 19-year-old in 2006 – the season the team hosted the Memorial Cup.

Just a month later, Macdonald was drafted by the New York Islanders, the NHL team he debuted for in 2009, after stops in Bridgeport and Utah in the minors.

“A lot of guys just kind of step right into it, and that’s what kind of talent they are, that’s great for them, but not everyone is fortunate enough to be in that position. So, for me, you know, I never really thought I had much of a shot and then just kind of kept progressing and climbing the ladder, more or less and, you know, was able to climb my way up,” says MacDonald.

Months after a trade to the Flyers in 2014, Macdonald signed a life-changing free agent contract with Philly – six years, $ 30 million.

“You realize that, you know, you’re kind of set for the rest of your career, but there is certainly no letting off,” says MacDonald. “In some ways there is a lot more pressure to perform. Before, you are on a smaller contract, maybe the expectations aren’t quite as high. But, you sign a long-term deal like that and people expect more, and you tend to expect more of yourself. I think that’s a good thing, to expect yourself to be the best you can be and help a team win a championship, win a cup.”

Earlier this week, MacDonald made the front page of a local newspaper, after he was photographed with Crosby and MacKinnon eating fish and chips after a game of golf.

The picture got some traction on the web and at least one Flyers blogger was questioning the company he was keeping.

“Philly and Pit really hate each other, the fans really get into it and those are some of the best games we play all year, against those guys for that reason,” says MacDonald. “As soon as we step on the ice, you know, there is no remembering those types of deals.”

While he is in town, MacDonald will be taking part in the annual Champions For Change Fundraiser for Phoenix Youth Programs, a non-profit organization that offers help to at-risk and homeless youth.

“Any way you can help give back to the community, you try to do it,” says MacDonald. “It’s just such a wonderful cause and they do so much.”

With files from CTV Atlantic's Jayson Baxter