Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League

Dawson McKenzie

By Dave Leaderhouse

FLIN FLON BOMBERS, RW

Patience is always a key when bringing in first-year players to the league and for the Flin Flon Bombers that trait will undoubtedly pay off with Dawson McKenzie.

The 18-year-old winger from Winnipeg was held off the scoresheet in his first four games with the Bombers, but with three points – all assists – in his last two outings, the 5-foot-11, 170-pound McKenzie appears to have settled into his new environment.

McKenzie, who now has 2-8-10 totals in 19 games this season, has a strong background both as a leader and a producer.

Last season, his second with the Winnipeg Thrashers of the Manitoba Midget AAA Hockey League, McKenzie was an alternate captain and after notching 20 goals and adding 34 assists in 41 games he was rewarded for his efforts by being named to the first all-star team.

That performance followed a just as impressive first year with the Thrashers when he scored 15 goals and set up 36 more in 43 games. In 10 playoff games over the two seasons with the Thrashers, McKenzie also showed he plays well under pressure as he had 11 points in those games.

McKenzie also got a brief look from the Winnipeg Blues of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League during his final year with the Thrashers, but with no points in three games he was not brought back – opening the door for his move to Flin Flon.

The Bombers have been SJHL finalists in each of the last two years and should McKenzie continue to settle in, his skill level will certainly make them a threat to go deep in the post-season once again. With two more years of junior eligibility remaining after this year, McKenzie could very well be a cornerstone for the team for quite some time.

Tag(s): Young Guns