Mackenzie Blackwood Bio
Mackenzie Blackwood is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a goaltender for the Colorado Avalanche in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on December 9, 1996, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, he was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Blackwood made his NHL debut in the 2018-19 season and has since established himself as a solid goaltender in the league. Notably, he has earned recognition for his performances, including multiple shutouts and victories during key games for his teams.
Early Life and Background
Mackenzie Blackwood was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where he was introduced to ice hockey at a young age. His father was involved in local ice hockey teams, while his mother participated in basketball and track and field. Blackwood began playing ice hockey at the age of nine, which is relatively late by Canadian standards, and briefly quit after a year. However, at the age of 12, he stepped in as a goaltender for his youth hockey team when the regular goaltender was injured. This experience sparked his passion for the position, and he transitioned to being a full-time goaltender. He played in house leagues with the Volunteer Pool Bearcats and Neebing Hawks before joining the Thunder Bay Kings of the Thunder Bay AAA Hockey League for the 2011–12 minor ice hockey season. During this season, he won 15 games and recorded a 3.08 goals against average (GAA).
Path to Hockey
Following his successful minor hockey career, Mackenzie Blackwood was selected by the Barrie Colts in the fifth round of the 2012 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection. He began his junior career as a backup during the 2013–14 season but quickly became the starting goaltender when the team’s primary goaltender left. Blackwood earned his first shutout on November 1, stopping all 31 shots from the Niagara IceDogs. He led all rookies in both the OHL and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) with a 2.98 GAA and a .902 save percentage, earning a spot on the OHL First All-Rookie Team in 2014. The following season, he was selected to represent the OHL All-Stars in the 2014 Subway Super Series.
Mackenzie Blackwood Career
Early Career (2016-2018)
Mackenzie Blackwood signed a three-year entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils on December 30, 2015, after being drafted by the team in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. He initially played for the Devils’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate before being assigned to the Adirondack Thunder, the Devils’ ECHL affiliate, in January 2018. Blackwood began the 2018–19 season with the Binghamton Devils, the AHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils. He was recalled to the NHL on December 17, 2018, after goaltender Cory Schneider was placed on injured reserve. Blackwood made his NHL debut on December 18, 2018, in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he saved eight of ten shots. He quickly made an impact, earning his first NHL win on December 27, 2018, against the Boston Bruins, where he recorded 40 saves.
Breakthrough (2019-2023)
Blackwood’s breakthrough season came during the 2019-20 NHL season, where he established himself as a reliable goaltender for the New Jersey Devils. He recorded multiple shutouts and became the first Devils rookie goaltender to post back-to-back shutouts. His performances earned him recognition, and he was named to the North Division roster for the 2019 AHL All-Star Classic. In December 2020, the Devils re-signed Blackwood to a three-year contract, solidifying his role as the team’s starting goaltender. However, after the 2022-23 season, Blackwood was traded to the San Jose Sharks, where he signed a two-year deal.
Notable Works and Milestones
Blackwood’s signature work includes his impressive performances during the 2019-20 season, where he recorded multiple shutouts and was a key player for the Devils. He became known for his ability to make crucial saves in high-pressure situations, contributing to his team’s success.
Mackenzie Blackwood Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Mackenzie Blackwood has received several nominations for his outstanding performances as a goaltender, particularly during his time with the New Jersey Devils.
Mackenzie Blackwood Awards Won
Mackenzie Blackwood has achieved notable recognition in his career, including multiple shutouts and significant contributions to his teams’ successes.
Mackenzie Blackwood Family
Mackenzie Blackwood was raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario. His mother, Rhonda Crocker-Ellacott, is the President and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. His father was a fan of the Colorado Avalanche and encouraged his son to support the team.
Personal Life
Details about Mackenzie Blackwood’s personal life are limited, but he has been known to maintain a focus on his career and performance on the ice. His upbringing in a sports-oriented family has influenced his dedication to the sport of ice hockey.
