Griff Mackenzie Scouting Report

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Griff Mackenzie Scouting Report

Height: 6'0

Weight: 185 lbs

Age: 19

Country of Birth: Denmark

 

Griff Mackenzie is a freshly signed center for the Saskatoon Wild, and is the fourth line center there as he gains experience in his rather short rookie season as the Saskatoon Wild play the Las Vegas Aces in the playoffs. Since he just joined the league, he isn't really on the radar for the VHL entry draft, but it will be a guessing game where he ends up in the VHLM dispersal draft. He is still miles behind a lot of his counterparts in terms of TPE. 

 

Strengths:

 

Shot

Mackenzie has a laser shot that he refined in the AJHL and NCAA before he went pro. He doesn't have a lot of weight on his side, so by logic his shot shouldn't be hard. But he learned from a particularly adept shooting coach to really lean into his stick, so his wrist shot especially has some serious juice on it. His snap shot is also scary, when he gets up on one leg and lets it go. His accuracy is still developing, so the goals should start to come in the next two seasons.

 

Defensive Zone Play

While dominating the AJHL with Okotoks, Mackenzie nearly mastered the defensive aspect of his game. He has a mind for the game, for sure, and although he's a forward, he is almost as dedicated to keeping goals out of the net than he is to put them in it. Since he's a center, he has some defensive responsibility, and it looks like after using it well at the NCAA and AJHL levels, it should be at least above average in the VHLM.

 

Versatility

Mackenzie has been known throughout his career to be a versatile player. Even throughout his junior career, Mackenzie played all three forward positions and even played defense when there were injuries. His incredible knowledge for the game allows him to play each position and constantly learn the tricks of each one. 

 

 

Weaknesses:

 

Faceoffs

It's not a huge flaw, and nothing a little focused training can't fix. But since he's a center, he'll start taking more and more draws once he starts getting more ice time, so it's something his coaches recommend improving sooner rather than later.

 

Skating

Mackenzie's skating deficiencies are more important to the development of his game. He didn't really give skating a second look in junior, and focused all of his might and time on his shot and defensive play. He has a choppy skating style, and isn't fast or smooth. He has quick feet from early years of playing soccer, but his overall skating skill isn't something to write home about. His pivoting has also been a downside for most of his playing career.

 

Physicality

Even though Mackenzie is built pretty solidly at 6'0 and 185 pounds, he usually shies away from physical contact. He's still wary of reinjuring himself after his rock climbing accident, so he's starting to realize that he is fully healed and he doesn't have to be so cautious. He has the strength to make an impact physically, but for now, it's still a weakness for him.