Photo Credit: Jill Rice
A native of Charlottetown, PE, CAN, Zack MacEwen stands at 6’3 and weighs 205 pounds. He is physical, and MacEwen bro is that role with Philadelphia and the fans, “I really felt the love and support from the fans all season,” he said. “For me, coming here from Vancouver, not really knowing what to expect and being welcomed in that manor is not something I take lightly. I couldn’t be more appreciative of the fans here.”
MacEwen played 34 games with the Canucks last season, and of course he registered six fights. The guy can throw down the mitts with the best of them, and that may be the reason why Fletcher scooped him up off waivers in the first place. When you think of the Metropolitan Division you have the likes of Jared MCann, Ryan Reaves, and Tom Wilson. Now enter MacEwen, the Flyers had to match the toughness of the division, “Yeah, I think the physicality is a big part of my game,” MacEwen said. “There are things I am happy about with the year and there are things that are leaving me wanting more. Production-wise and being more trustworthy here with the coaching staff and give myself a better role.”
MacEwen, 25, registered three goals and six assists this season. He is known for his hitting, grit, and just being a hard-nosed player to play against. MacEwen appeared to be loved by Canucks fans, and that appeared to filter over to Philadelphia, “From the moment I got here, everybody seemed like a really tight group,” MacEwen said. “I honestly had never really seen anything like it before I got here, so it was a breath of fresh air to step into that, be accepted and welcomed right away. I think having that chemistry and that bond is only going to better the team for the future. I think it is a great thing to have.”
Flyers’ General Manager Chuck Fletcher continues to revamp the team with physicality. MacEwen slid in as the 12th Forward at times against the more physical teams. He took over a role that when healthy Samuel Morin would have been utilized for:
“A lot can happen, but I am staying very positive and hopeful. I love it here in Philly. I would love to keep playing here.” – Zack MacEwen
This native of Canada in MacEwen is not afraid to stick up for his teammates. That is what separates him from a lot of players. He can lay a big hit, and provides much needed energy when he is on the ice. MacEwen does not take a shift off, and will do what is necessary to win the hockey game, “I spend my summers in Prince Edward Island, Canada,” MacEwen said. “I have a really good training regimen there with a good group of pro guys that I do my training with. It is going to be about coming back to camp in really good shape. Couple things to work on and really hone in on with my game and really round off. Just try to give myself the best chance to have a role with this team and be the best I can be.”
Some people may have not have heard about MacEwen before he donned a Flyers jersey, but once he put on that orange and black sweater all things changed. Apparently he was a fan favorite, so re-sign him Fletcher, make it happen.
“After the first one here, I felt the energy from the crowd,” MacEwen said about his first fight as a Flyer. “I couldn’t really help myself a few times. I think it gets the people fired up and it gets me fired up. I love it and it is a lot of fun. It is a great adrenaline rush. I know these fans love a good fight and that kind of stuff. I am more than happy to feed into it and have a good time with the fans cause I am having fun out there.”
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