UTICA, N.Y. – Stratford native Zack MacEwen has been recognized for his first season of professional hockey.
The Utica Comets right-winger received the Ian Anderson Award, which recognizes the team’s most improved rookie. The Comets are the Vancouver Canucks AHL affiliate.
MacEwen, 21, had 10 goals and 23 assists for 33 points in 66 games this season. Twelve of his points came on the power play.
MacEwen made his professional debut Oct. 28 at Charlotte and collected a point the next day. He had a four-game point streak from Feb. 16-21.
The Comets defeated the Binghamton Devils 4-3 in overtime Sunday in the regular-season finale to finish the year 38-26-8-4. They will play the Toronto Marlies in the opening round of the AHL playoffs. Game 1 is set for Saturday.
MacEwen had a breakout season last year with the Gatineau Olympiques of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with 31 goals and 43 assists for 74 points in 66 games.
Also on the Comets roster is defenceman Guillaume Brisebois, who was the Charlottetown Islanders captain last season. Brisebois had three goals and 15 assists for 18 points in 68 games.
