Heat recall blueliner MacKenzie
The Abbotsford Heat's post-NHL lockout makeover began on Tuesday, as defenceman Drew MacKenzie was recalled from the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies.
MacKenzie, a native of New Cannan, Conn., is a rookie pro who wrapped up a four-year career at the University of Vermont last season. He was a late cut at Heat training camp, and has posted five goals and nine assists for 14 points in 25 games since being sent down to the Grizzlies.
More moves are expected later this week. The NHL's Board of Governors meets in New York on Wednesday and are expected to ratify the new collective bargaining agreement. Details on NHL training camp start dates and a regular season schedule will be discussed as well.
Several Heat players will be summoned to Calgary for Flames training camp, but it's undetermined at the moment how many and which players will be going. As recalls happen, more players will be en route to Abbotsford to fill in.
• The Heat host the Chicago Wolves, the Vancouver Canucks' affiliate, on Friday and Saturday (7 p.m. both nights, Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre).
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