The Manitoba Junior Hockey League has named forward Mackenzie Belinski October Player of the Month!
After the first month of the season, Belinski is atop the MJHL scoring leaderboard with 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists.) He was excited to be recognized by the league, “It’s a good confidence boost for not only me but my linemates as well. It’s nice to get acknowledged, but as a team, we need to keep doing what we’re doing and bring in as many wins as we can.”
Belinski has fit in well with the group after General Manager Taylor Harnett acquired him from the Selkirk Steelers in the offseason. Throughout the first 8 games, he has found early chemistry on a line with his billet brother Rayman Bassi and Captian Gerrik Ripley. “Bass and Rips have been fun to play with. We’re transitioning quickly out of our own end, leading to a lot of chances in the O-Zone. We have a lot to give and were pretty excited.”
Mackenzie has also rekindled some chemistry with a pair of players recently added to the Wolverines roster. Last week the Wolverines added his first-cousin Chad Nychuk and fellow Vista product, Cole Muir, to their active roster. The trio all grew up together playing minor hockey for the Rossburn Hornets. “It’s been fun having those two around the room. It takes me back to our days playing minor hockey. Having two close friends around for my final year of junior is something I’ll remember for a long time.”
Although It’s only November, Belinski has his sights set on a long playoff run with the Wolverines; the 20-year-old has also started to ponder what lays ahead after this hockey season. “Hopefully, we have a long playoff run before I have to start seeding on the farm. I hope to have a couple of post-secondary options as well.”
The Wolverines would like to congratulate Mackenzie on winning the monthly honour!