McKenzie runs for another Calder Cup | theahl.com

Patrick Williamstheahl.com writer

If it is spring, it is very likely Curtis Mackenzie In the Calder Cup match.

As durable as ever, the Texas star captain is now entering his 12th professional season, having 67 games in the team’s 72 regular season games and ending the game with 15 goals and 15 assists. In the four seasons since returning to Cedar Park, he played 17 more in 272 games and in the playoffs, although his body and mind are usually ten years younger than him in his body and mind.

McKenzie won the Calder Cup in 2014 with the Texas rookie. He returned to the finals in 2018, before the star lost seven games against Toronto Marlies. He scored 11 goals in 22 games in that playoffs. He once again competed in the finals with the Chicago Wolves in 2019.

McKenzie was drafted by Dallas in 2009 and won the Red Garrett Memorial Award, becoming the 2013-14 AHL Rookie of the Year. After five seasons with the organization, including 99 games in the NHL – he worked for two years with the Las Vegas organization and two years with the St. Louis organization before returning to the star in 2021.

Texas kicks off the 2025 Calder Cup playoffs and in the first game of the five-game best semifinal series tonight at Grand Rapids, there is good reason to think it can be played again this season. The stars walked back and forth with Milwaukee out of the Central Division’s lead, ending up being only two points behind the Admiral.

McKenzie has long been a reliable producer for the playoffs. He scored seven points in seven games last spring, and he scored 65 points (29 goals, 36 assists) in the 90 Pro Card Cup playoffs, in 90 games in the AHL playoffs.

For young teammates MatějBlümel,,,,, Arttu Hyry,,,,, Antonio strange This year’s Garrett Award winner Justin HryckowianMcKenzie can be seen as a person who has experienced everything the AHL can put into the players. Regular season grinding. Playoffs. Even Game 7 of the Calder Cup final.

Many Texas alumni use their playoff experience to prepare for their NHL success. In the 2010s, the stars played three finals in three finals, including Jamie Benn,,,,, Jamie Oleksiak,,,,, Radek Faksa,,,,, Roope Hintz and Jason Dickinson. The Calder Cup playoffs may be the last improvement in prospects that require a full-time NHL job.

McKenzie is completing the final year of his two-year AHL contract signed in 2023 and he understands how to get to the NHL is an all-incredible idea for young players. But he also knows that there are business to deal with at this level.

“Most of the people who join this league, most [were] McKenzie said earlier this season: “The team’s star and overall performance are excellent. So it’s the first time a lot of players have had adversity, which can be tough. I’m just trying to help them, stay on track, trust their route and process because if they get there, everyone won’t get to the NHL overnight.”

If the regular season tests young players, the playoffs are another level. This spring, there will certainly be adversity for a star or any other promising Calder Cup champion. There is an elimination game. Overtime and triple. The game accumulates quickly. The same goes for body wear.

Development is such an important theme in the AHL, and the Calder Cup playoffs form a considerable part of seizing young talent and turning someone into an NHL player.

“[The AHL] “You’re close to being an NHL player and everyone thinks of, ‘How do I get there?’ You just have to work hard, push forward and keep playing during tough times because the AHL can swallow guys. You want to give men the best chance to get to the next level.

During the fifty years in the American Hockey League, Theahl.com writer Patrick Williams currently covers NHL.com and Flosports leagues and is a regular contributor to Siriusxm NHL New Network Radio. He won the AHL’s James H. Ellery Memorial Award for his outstanding league coverage in 2016.