Mac Hollowell Bio
Mac Hollowell (born September 26, 1998) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for HC Lada Togliatti of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). After being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2018, he played with their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, and later with the Newfoundland Growlers. Hollowell has also had stints with the Hartford Wolf Pack and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins before continuing his career in the KHL.
Early Life and Background
Mac Hollowell was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in a family that supported his passion for sports, particularly hockey. His father, Lenn Hollowell, and mother, Jenn Sheldon, encouraged him to pursue his athletic interests from a young age. Hollowell’s early exposure to hockey came through local teams, where he honed his skills and developed a love for the game. His formative years were spent playing minor hockey, where he began to stand out as a talented player.
Path to Hockey
Hollowell’s journey in hockey began with the Niagara Rivermen Minor Midget hockey club, where he played 38 games and recorded 27 points. He then moved on to play junior B hockey with the Niagara Falls Canucks, under the guidance of coach Frank Pietrangelo. His performance caught the attention of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, who drafted him in the 12th round of the 2014 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection Draft. Hollowell made his OHL debut and quickly established himself as a promising defenseman, recording his first career goal in December 2014. Despite going undrafted in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, he drew interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs, who invited him to their prospect camp. Hollowell returned to the Greyhounds for the 2017-18 season, finishing fifth among OHL defensemen in scoring, which led to his selection in the fourth round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft by the Maple Leafs.
Mac Hollowell Career
Early Career (2018–2023)
After being drafted, Hollowell signed an entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 7, 2019. He joined the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL) during their Calder Cup run, marking his transition to professional hockey. Hollowell made his AHL regular season debut on November 16, 2019, in a game against the Texas Stars. He also played for the Newfoundland Growlers in the ECHL, where he scored his first career ECHL goal on October 6, 2019. Over the next few seasons, Hollowell continued to develop his game, showcasing his skills and adaptability in various leagues.
Breakthrough (2023–Present)
Hollowell’s breakthrough moment came when he made his NHL debut on November 23, 2022, against the New Jersey Devils. After four seasons with the Maple Leafs organization, he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New York Rangers for the 2023-24 season. Following a stint with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL, where he represented the team at the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic, Hollowell signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 1, 2024. He led the Penguins’ defense in scoring during the 2024-25 season, posting impressive statistics. As a pending free agent, Hollowell opted to continue his career abroad, signing a one-year contract with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the KHL on June 11, 2025. He was later traded to HC Lada Togliatti in August 2025, where he continues to play.
Mac Hollowell Family
Mac Hollowell was born to Jenn Sheldon and Lenn Hollowell. Details about his family life are limited, but it is known that his parents have been supportive of his hockey career from an early age.
Personal Life
Information about Mac Hollowell’s personal life is not extensively documented. He remains focused on his professional career in hockey, and his family has played a significant role in his development as an athlete.