Fri 16 Jun 2023 - 07:30AM

MCKENZIE DETERMINED TO GRASP ELITE LEAGUE OPPORTUNITY

Nottingham Panthers forward Zaine McKenzie says he's determined to grasp his Elite League opportunity after signing a two-way deal with the club and NIHL side Telford Tigers.

The 19-year-old was brought in to train with the Panthers by Corey Neilson last season and made his debut in the third v fourth-placed playoff match against Sheffield Steelers.

McKenzie has been in the NIHL for the past two years icing for Milton Keynes Lightning and also Bees IHC, where at the age of 18 he scored 13 (5+8) in 20 matches.

He's also a junior Great Britain international and played in the past two Under-20 World Championship tournaments, helping GB win a silver (2022) and bronze medal (2023).

McKenzie chats to Panthers TV - in association with Jeremias Chimney Systems - about his plans for next season with both the Panthers and Telford.

He also talks about playing in the Nottingham junior system, moving to play in Canada at the age of 16 for the Ontario Hockey Academy and representing Great Britain Under-20s.