vees:blog

Curtis McKenzie’s monstrous sophomore campaign in the BCHL has garnered one final honour - as the brute was drafted by Dallas in the 6th round of the NHL Entry Draft.

After just three goals in his sixteen-year-old season, C-Mac made huge strides this year as he earned a scholarship out of training camp, earned a silver medal at the World Jr. ‘A’ Challenge with Team Canada West, played in the CJHL Prospects game in P.E.I., was named a BCHL All-Star, and earned an alternate captaincy in the Fall, after which he was named the Captain of the club when Denver Manderson went down to season ending injury at the end of January. The Golden, BC product also lead all 1991 born BCHL players in point production.

Here’s Vees Head Coach and GM Fred Harbinson on Curtis being drafted:

“Curtis has grown a lot in his two years in Penticton… He’s leaving a much better player and we’re proud of that… It couldn’t happen to a better kid. He’s a great teammate, and is an enjoyable kid to coach.”

McKenzie joins former Vees teammate Austin Smith (now playing at Cogate of the ECAC - NCAA) in the Dallas system, and will suit up for Miami of Ohio (CCHA, NCAA) as an 18-year-old freshman this season. Curtis is the 5th member of the 07/08 Vees championship squad to be drafted. McKenzie joins Austin Smith - DAL ‘07, Trevor Nill - STL ‘07, Zac Dalpe - CAR ‘08, and Brett Hextall - PHO ‘08.

After leading the Vees in Ginos, PPGs, Shorties, PIMs, and GWGs the physical forward will now adapt to playing against men and a faster pace of play in college.

Here’s a full list of BCHLers selected this spring.