MINNEAPOLIS — For Ethan MacKenzie, scoring the game-winning goal for Canada in their opening match at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship was a moment of pure, unfiltered dream fulfillment. "Honestly, I kind of blanked out," the defenceman admitted. "I've been dreaming about that since I can remember. I couldn't even get the smile off my face for a while."
An Unlikely Path to the National Stage
MacKenzie's story starkly contrasts with the typical pedigree found on Canada's world junior roster, which is often filled with first-round NHL draft picks and top prospects. The 19-year-old from near Kelowna, B.C., was passed over in not one, but two consecutive NHL drafts. He arrived late to Hockey Canada's radar and, perhaps most tellingly, began his Western Hockey League career with the Edmonton Oil Kings standing just 5-foot-6.
Without the guarantee of international recognition, MacKenzie focused on his game in Edmonton, transforming himself into one of the WHL's most reliable two-way defencemen. His relentless play and character ultimately forced him onto a Team Canada roster that wasn't initially designed with him in mind.
"Once he got on their radar, I was pretty confident with how hard he plays and what his character is like," Edmonton Oil Kings general manager Kirt Hill stated. "Once he got around that group and the coaching staff and management, I knew they would like him. I knew he would find a way to make that team."
A Lifelong Passion Fueled by Perseverance
According to his father, Kevin MacKenzie, Ethan's obsession with hockey began remarkably early. Speaking at the 3M Arena on the University of Minnesota campus, Kevin revealed a unique childhood motivator. "Nothing else worked," he said of potty-training attempts. "Stickers, candy, whatever. It was hockey cards. That's what he wanted."
By age two, Ethan had his first skates, followed quickly by lessons. "He just gravitated to it," Kevin recalled. "Something about hockey really resonated with him from a super young age."
His mother, Lynette, highlighted the physical challenges he overcame. She noted MacKenzie entered major junior with the Oil Kings at 16 years old and 5-foot-6, joining a team transitioning from a Memorial Cup victory into a rebuild. Despite his size, he logged significant ice time, learning to both give and absorb hits against older, larger competition.
Seizing the Moment in Minneapolis
MacKenzie's journey from an undrafted WHL player to a key contributor for Canada at the world juniors in Minneapolis is a testament to his work ethic and resilience. His opening-game goal against Denmark was more than just a point on the scoreboard; it was a powerful snapshot of validation after years of quiet, determined effort.
While many of his teammates were groomed for this international stage from a young age, MacKenzie carved his own path. His performance at the 2026 world junior championship is now drawing significant notice, proving that draft status is not the final word on a player's potential or heart.
