“Got a little bit of a taste” – Mackie Samoskevich in no rush for development with Panthers
Follow Us
Mackie Samoskevich
Young American ice hockey player Mackie Samoskevich emerged as a right fit for freshman on the star-studded University of Michigan team last season. However, the Florida Panthers forward prospect is looking at a bigger role this time on his way to the National Hockey League (NHL).
The 19-year-old Samoskevich, who was the eighth-leading scorer with 29 points (10 goals, 19 assists) in 40 games for Michigan, was the No. 24 selection by Florida in the 2021 NHL Draft. Owing to a brilliant effort, his side advanced to the NCAA Frozen Four before losing 3-2 in overtime to the ultimate champion, the University of Denver.
“I am super excited,” Samoskevich said, as quoted by NHL.com. “I got to [take on a bigger role] a little bit with the guys leaving for the (2022 Beijing) Olympics last year (Power and Johnson played for Canada; Beniers and forward Brendan Brisson played for the United States), so definitely got a little bit of a taste of that for sure. And then I think it’ll be a really good team too. I think it’ll be really fun for sure.”
“Definitely ready for the NHL”
Samoskevich, who will turn 20 on November 15, was one of five Michigan players selected in the first round that year. The Connecticut native feels that his skating is the best part of his game.
“I think when I’m moving my feet and playing with speed on, [I’m] hard to play against,” he said. “I think it’s definitely ready for sure (for the NHL). And one thing that I could get better [at] is probably playing under contact. The NHL has a lot of big guys, so being able to play through that and get comfortable with that, I think that’ll be a huge thing to kind of adapt to and get better at for sure.”
Also Read | “I can become a pro quicker” – Christian Kyrou sees brother Jordan as role model to eye spot in NHL
Also Read | “My shot at redemption here” – Thomas Bordeleau charged up for last chance to play with the USA at WJC
Do follow us on: Google News | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Stay Updated!
Sachin Arora
(2527 Articles Published)