On Wednesday October 21st, the Fort Wayne Komets announced the signing of Canadian centreman Brett McKenzie. The two sides agreed to terms on a standard player contract for the upcoming season.
McKenzie, from Ottawa, Ontario, had a pretty good season in 2019-20, as he finished 10th in ECHL scoring with 60 points in 56 games. He did so on 23 goals while also adding 37 assists. As well, he appeared in one game for Fort Wayne’s former affiliate, the Chicago Wolves.
For his accomplishment with the Komets hockey club, the lefty was handed the team’s Unsung Hero Award. The award, also known as the 5/30 award, is given to the Komets player who’s hard work and dedication to his teammates and love of the game is in the true spirit of Komet hockey. It honours Komet Hall of Fame members Robbie Irons the late Terry Pembroke.
McKenzie, the big 6’2 forward, began his pro career with the Atlanta Gladiators, notching 16 goals while adding 29 assists. That made for a total of 45 points. In 2018-19, McKenzie played in five games with the Providence Bruins of the AHL. However, the forward would only rack up two penalty minutes.
In a statement from Ben Boudreau, who just finished his first season as head coach of the Komets, he said of the team’s latest signing, “He is really a big piece to our puzzle. He solidifies our offense up front, finishing in the top ten in scoring is just scratching the surface of his potential. As a two-way player, he can do it all. Brett has an infectious personality in the locker room and really compliments the current roster.”
As for the thoughts of David Franke, V.P. and GM of the Fort Wayne Komets, he said about the asset in McKenzie, “This signing is vitally important for the Komets, Brett McKenzie was the second leading scorer last season and he is a solid hard-working player with the skills and ability to be an elite player in the ECHL. He definitely has a lot of upside to his game and we will benefit from that.”