“I played four years in the best junior league and now I’m going to college in a top league, playing against guys who might be 24. It was another step, bridging from going from junior to an AHL team. Gives me another four years of college hockey where I can maybe get a degree,” he said. Why North Dakota, where Craig Simpson’s son Dylan is an assistant coach? Fargo in the dead of winter is far from appealing, but he’s there to play hockey, not
ice fish. “I think it’s pretty similar to the weather in Edmonton. Not too worried. “There’s a history there of guys who’ve gone on to be NHL players,” he said — players like Jonathan Toews, Troy Murray, Jake Sanderson, T.J. Oshie, Zach Parise and Jackson Blake. “I got to see the Ralph (Engelstadt) rink. It’s 11,500 seats, all the facilities. It’s top of the line.” Being at the world junior, playing seven games, getting considerable minutes against his peers from other countries, made NHL teams
look at him differently. “I think there were already teams looking at me but the world junior run, showing what I could do over seven games, was definitely a big help getting eyes on me,” said MacKenzie, who will be watching the TV June 27 on Day 2, hoping his name’s called.
Ethan MacKenzie, NHL draft, North Dakota, Ralph Engelstadt rink, Fargo, world junior, June 27, Day 2
Draft day again, huh?
So he’s going to North Dakota to play hockey and maybe get a degree? Honestly good for him. I’m still confused why it says third time… like third time being drafted or just committing to college again?
Fargo in the winter sounds miserable but he’s saying it’s basically like Edmonton?? That seems like he’s just trying to sell it. Also if Craig Simpson’s kid is coaching there then of course people are gonna look at him, come on. World juniors “seven games” is huge though I guess, but I feel like NHL teams always overhype whoever’s on TV.
11,500 seats and all the facilities?? I didn’t even realize college rinks were that big. I hope his name gets called on June 27 Day 2, but I swear they always skip the smaller guys even if they played world juniors. Also “ice fishing” made me laugh… Fargo is cold enough to turn your car into a popsicle.