Grande Prairie Storm goaltender Connor Mackenzie is heading south of the border next season to play Division 1 Hockey at the University of Vermont. Mackenzie committed to the D1 team after what the Storm organization is calling a “stellar season,” being named Alberta Junior Hockey League’s top goaltender, and team MVP.
Throughout his time with the Storm, he also was named the Viterra AJHL Star of the Game 13 times. Along with his work and accomplishments on the ice, Mackenzie spearheaded the Lift the Mask on Mental Health campaign this season, which brought Storm players into dozens of classrooms around the Grande Prairie region to talk about mental health.
The campaign raised more than $40,000 for the Canadian Mental Health Association of Northwest Alberta. Storm head coach Eric Thurston says everyone in the organization is excited for the netminder.
“He has worked very hard to take his game to the next level. We truly wish him all the best and look forward to watching him play D1 hockey in Vermont.”
Mackenzie says he has to thank everyone within the Storm organization and the community of Grande Prairie for the support he has received throughout his time here and for helping him achieve his dream of playing D1 hockey.
“All the support and belief from everyone definitely does not go unappreciated.”
