Mackenzie Entwistle is focusing on the present, but certainly has an eye on the future.
The Blackhawks prospect is gearing up for the Ontario Hockey League playoffs in search of his second straight championship after having won last year with the Hamilton Bulldogs. Now a key player to the Guelph Storm’s hopes in 2019, the soon-to-be 20-year-old will soon be pushing to make the jump to the NHL, with or without another ring.
He knows it won’t be easy, and can see the club electing to give him time to hone his game at the AHL level.
All this came from a chat with Entwistle following Wednesday’s 5-1 win over the London Knights, where I was able to ask him about his transition from Hamilton to Guelph, his thoughts on playing wing vs. center, a recent comparison to Anze Kopitar, and his outlook on the postseason and beyond.
Q: To start, how has the transition been from Hamilton to Guelph, and what’s it like being a “rental player” for a team that’s loaded up for a playoff run?
Entwistle: It’s been good. Obviously Hamilton was great to me. Getting drafted (by the Bulldogs) and being a little kid and transitioning to … you know, they gave me everything. Getting drafted ultimately (by the Arizona Coyotes) and getting traded to Chicago, winning a championship (in 2018). Now coming here, this is a great organization. The staff, the players are all world class. I’m happy to be here. One of the reasons why I wanted to come here was because I knew a lot of the guys in the locker room. That’s made that transition a little bit easier for me. Knowing Isaac Ratcliffe, Nate Schnarr, Nick Suzuki and Markus Phillips … it’s definitely been a smooth transition.
Q: When you first arrived, you started on the top line with Suzuki and Ratcliffe, and more recently played second line center. Is there a position that comes more naturally to you, and has Guelph told you what they’re looking for as your role through the regular season and into the playoffs?
Entwistle: Last year, I played with Robert Thomas on the right wing, and all through minor hockey I was playing right wing and center, flip flop. For me, I don’t really have a preference. It’s nice to play with Isaac and Nick on that wing, but at the same time, if they need me in a shut down role or playing center, I’m definitely comfortable doing that. Our coaches have been pretty good telling me a couple weeks before what position, so that in practice I’m a little bit more aware and it’s not a shock to me. I’m comfortable playing both positions and it’s been good.
Q: I was talking to Hamilton play-by-play man Reed Duthie a couple weeks ago and asked him about a comparable for you, and he mentioned Anze Kopitar. Do you think that’s an accurate assessment and is there somebody in the NHL that you kind of model your game after, not only on the ice but leadership-wise as well?
Entwistle: Reed’s seen me a lot through the 3.5 years I was there. Kopitar is definitely one I try to model my game after. He’s a big power forward, he’s got an elite level shot, and some good hands for a big man. I try to look at his puck protection skills and the way he creates offense by using his body. For me, I look at a guy like him or even Corey Perry or Ryan Getzlaf, guys that are bigger and can use their size as more of a power forward.
Q: In terms of looking ahead to the Blackhawks, what kind of role do you see yourself playing with that team, and how soon do you think you can make that jump?
Entwistle: That’s definitely, I think, a little ways away. My goal right now is to win a championship here in Guelph and that’s sort of what I’m focused on. When that’s over and done with, I need to have a big summer in the gym and on the ice, and then we’ll see how it goes. I want to make a push to try and make that team in a third- or fourth-line role, but at the same time I know the AHL team in Rockford is doing pretty well. Wherever they see me fit, I’ll be more than happy. That’s my goal, to play in the NHL next year, but whatever happens, happens. I’m just going to keep working.
Q: Lastly, do you have a favorite pre-game meal, and do you have any spots in Guelph that you’ve taken to?
Entwistle: I always love going to the Keg and getting a nice steak dinner. My billets are really good here with cooking. My favorite pre-game meal would be chicken and pasta. Simple. I’m not too picky.
Entwistle, by the way, was held without a point in the win over London, but did record three shots. He did score in a 5-2 loss to the Kitchener Rangers in Guelph’s previous game, though.
🚨 Big rebound, big result. @5twisty5 puts it home and it 5-2 for the #Rangers #GUEvsKIT pic.twitter.com/bpf10CLAHi
— ✖- Guelph Storm (@Storm_City) March 10, 2019
Up next:
Friday, March 15 vs. Erie Otters
Saturday, March 16 @ Erie Otters
End of regular season.
Likely first-round playoff series against Kitchener (Dates TBA).