Mackenze Stewart joins the Walleye ranks

(Toledo, OH) – Defenseman Mackenze Stewart has agreed to terms for the 2018-19 season with the Toledo Walleye.

Stewart, a native of Calgary, Alberta, appeared in 56 games last season with the Kalamazoo Wings, scoring four goals with eight assists and 55 penalty minutes. He also appeared in a pair of games for Utica in the AHL with five penalty minutes. The 6’4”, 215 pound defenseman spent his first pro season in Alaska in 2016-17 where he posted 13 points (6G, 7A), 117 penalty minutes and was a plus six.

“Big, powerful defenseman is the best way to describe Mackenze,” said Head Coach Dan Watson. “We witnessed his abilities last season in Kalamazoo and feel like he will be a tremendous fit to our defensive unit.”

The 23-year-old was drafted by Vancouver in the 7th round of the 2014 NHL Draft while he playing for the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL. Over 163 career WHL contests, Stewart scored 15 times with 16 assists and 230 penalty minutes. His final WHL season was in the 2015-16 season with Tri-City when Stewart collected 47 penalty minutes and 11 points (5G, 6A) in just 36 contests. The defenseman made his pro debut during that season with six games in Kalamazoo and four more in Utica.

GET TO KNOW MACKENZE

Q: Who was your favorite hockey player growing up?

A: “Being from Calgary, I would have to say it’s Jarome Iginla. He was skilled and physical. He could do it all.”

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do away from the rink?

A: “I like to read, mainly memoirs. I’m also taking on-line classes to get a degree in business management. I also like to hang out with the guys.”

Q: How are you spending the off-season?

A: I got certified as a personal trainer, so I’ve been working with kids here in Calgary during the summer. A lot of dryland training, weights and cardio.”

Q: Do you have any pets?

A: “We have a dog at home, her name is Bailey. She’s an Australian Labradoodle.”

Q: What’s your go-to food?

A: I do my own cooking. My favorite thing to make is a chicken stew, it’s really good.”

Q: Why are you excited about coming to Toledo?

A: “Toledo is a good organization and I’m excited to come work with their coaches and develop as a hockey player. I also like playing in the Huntington Center, the fans are awesome and the atmosphere is really fun to play in.”