Mackenzie Menard is a new Parkland Ranger this year, but he certainly knows a thing or two about Dauphin.
The 17-year-old was born in Dauphin and spent a good amount of time here and he played Atom minor hockey in town before making a change.
Menard and his family would eventually move to Alberta, but Menard wouldn't stop playing hockey. He played with the Red Deer Steel Bantam AA Kings in the 2016-17 season.
He had 25 points (5G) that season. He then had 15 points in 17 games the next season with the Red Deer Midget Chiefs.
Last season, Menard joined the Winnipeg Warriors City Midget team where he had 11 points (3G) in 35 games. Now, playing outside of Dauphin isn't a thing unless he's on the road with his current team.
Mackenzie has joined the Parkland U18 Rangers this year for his final AAA hockey season as he will graduate after the year.
"It's pretty cool being back here and playing hockey in my hometown," said Menard. "I always wanted to play for the Rangers when I was a young kid. It's like a dream come true."
"It's been a lot of fun hanging out with the guys and getting to know all of them," he added.
Menard and the rest of the Rangers are now on a roll. They've won three straight games to jump into 10th place in the standings. The three-game winning streak is the longest the program has had since the 2017-18 season when they won four straight games from late October to early November. At that time, Menard was playing in Red Deer.
"We've just been getting pucks deep and the boys are feeling pretty good," continued Menard. "We like winning and we hope to do more of it."
"Three wins in a row is a big thing and I know it's helping all of us with our confidence levels," he added.
Menard has also been helping the club win games. He's scored four goals this season and he's added three assists. The seven points are the fifth-most on the team. Two of Menard's assists have come on the power play.
"I've been playing defence and forward this season and things are going well," he added. "Getting points is always nice, but I just want the team to win. That's what matters."
Despite the success, Menard knows he has more in the tank.
"Everyone can always do better, I push myself every day to do more," said Menard.
Parkland will look to extend their winning streak to four games this evening. The Southwest Cougars (8-6-0-1) will be in town for a 7:30 matchup. Southwest has won four of their last five games and they sit in sixth place in the standings, seven points up on Parkland.
"We just have to get pucks deep, stay strong defensively and work hard for an entire 60-minutes, that's our key to success," added Menard.
Tomorrow night, Menard and the Rangers will play another game. Ukrainian Night will take over Credit Union Place as the Rangers welcome the Winnipeg Bruins to town. Playing in a Ukrainian Night game is a first for Menard and several other players on the team.
"I've heard it's super cool, I can't wait for the game and I know everyone on the team is excited," concluded Menard.
You can pick up your tickets for Ukrainian Night by heading to Ruff's Furniture.
