Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of USHL
- Name: Jim McKenzie
- Position: RW
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-1
- Weight: 209 lbs
- Birthdate: 1984-06-10
- Eligible for Draft: 2002
- Drafted:
- Hometown: ,
- Acquired: 2004 NHL Entry Draft by Ottawa
- Playing In: Pro
Jim McKenzie
Prospect Grade: 6.0 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: Derek Cheng
History
The Ottawa Senators selected Jim McKenzie in the fifth round, 141st overall in 2004. They have taken their time with the St. Paul, MN native and allowed him to develop for three years at the University of Michigan. Following his third year with the Wolverines, McKenzie signed an entry-level contract with the Senators and will turn pro in 2007-08.
2000-01: The native of St. Paul, MN skated with USA’s U-17 development team. In 41 games, McKenzie tallied 15 points, including 11 goals. He also racked up 55 penalty minutes.
2001-02: McKenzie started the season with USA’s U-18 development team, skating in 19 contests and registering 17 points, seven goals. Later in the year, he joined Green Bay in the USHL and played in a limited role picking up three points and 34 penalty minutes in 17 games.
2002-03: McKenzie spent the full season with Sioux Falls in the USHL. In 45 games, he picked up 24 points and 108 penalty minutes.
2003-04: In his second year in the USHL, McKenzie nearly tripled his rookie totals. He finished fifth in scoring with 64 points in 59 games despite Sioux Falls’ last play finish. He also won the USHL All-Star MVP award.
2004-05: McKenzie was virtually non-existent early on as a freshman for Michigan State, but he certainly didn’t end that way. He tallied at least a point in 10 of Michigan State’s final 15 games, wrapping up his rookie campaign with 18 points (11 goals, 7 assists) in 34 games. McKenzie’s most memorable performance of the season came back on February 18, when he notched his first career hat-trick to lead the Spartans to a 6-3 victory over conference rival Ohio State. Two weeks later, McKenzie earned his lone CCHA Rookie of the Week honor after posting two goals in the series to help MSU sweep Notre Dame. Perhaps the main reasons for McKenzie’s late season success was his ability to make excellent use of his 6’2, 205 lbs. frame and his tremendous strength, particularly around the net. So effective was his play in the latter stages of the season that he was given a regular shift alongside seniors Jim Slater (ATL) and Mike Lalonde.
2005-06: In his sophomore year, McKenzie appeared in 43 games, scoring 28 points and racked up 85 penalty minutes. Four of his 11 goals came with the man-advantage and his +/- rating was a healthy +4. He played a key role in Michigan’s playoff run, including assisting on David Booth’s game winning goal in the CCHA Championship game.
2006-07: His third year with Michigan was his most productive point-per-game wise. In 32 games, McKenzie tallied 28 points and 28 penalty minutes. He lit the lamp for seven goals, four coming with the man-advantage. He played especially well in the playoffs where he accounted for six points in four games.
DJ Powers contributed to this profile
Talent Analysis
McKenzie boasts a heavy wrist shot and the ability to make the key pass. He has great vision on the ice and a decent set of hands. He protects the puck well, especially in high traffic areas. Good accuracy in close helps make McKenzie a quality finisher. He is at his best along the boards and in the cycle game. McKenzie isn’t afraid to play a physical brand of hockey or drop the gloves if need be. He plays a two-way game and possesses a solid frame (6’2, 210) to go along with good hockey sense
Future
McKenzie signed an entry-level contract with Ottawa will fight for a roster spot in training camp. He has the tools to be an effective two-way third line checker in the NHL, but he will likely start his professional career in Binghamton, where he can hone his skills.
Stats
Stats Coming Soon...
Profile Last Updated: September, 22nd 2007
HF Quick Navigation
