Broncos camp looms without Mackay

The Swift Current Broncos are set to open training camp with players reporting on Wednesday.

One name that won't be on a roster sheet for the first time in five years is local product Zac Mackay. 

He decided to step away from hockey after his 19-year-old season, but he isn't necessarily giving up on the sport for good.

"I wasn't really quitting hockey," Mackay said. "I don't really feel like that's my decision I feel like I'm just moving on. Ready to get on to bigger things and start my life just outside of hockey."

"I feel like I had a good run in what I did and I was very proud of myself in what I achieved. I think now that I'm just ready to get out in life and experience new things."

Mackay has been a mainstay in the Swift Current sports scene from starring in minor hockey and minor baseball to success in the WHL.

"I think the day I was drafted was one of the happiest of my life," he said. "It was an honour for sure. Not many kids who go through the WHL can say they got a chance to play in their hometown in front of their family and friends. I've very blessed to say I was able to do that."

Mackay played 229 games over parts of five seasons with the Broncos. He became known as a shutdown specialist both at even strength and on the strong Broncos penalty kill.

"I was that type of player my whole life," Mackay said. "Gritty and in guy's faces. It was a good decision having the (top guys) worry about us instead of our top guys. I had a lot of fun with it that's for sure."

As much as his play on the ice earned him his spot he was also a major contributor off the ice.

“Zac was a big part of our team’s identity and was a fantastic ambassador in the community” said Broncos Coach/GM Mark Lamb. “Zac will be a success at whatever he chooses to pursue and we wish him all the best.”

That opportunity to give back to his home wasn't something he took for granted.

"It was awesome," Mackay added. "When I was in school and the Broncos would come read to us or play floor hockey in the gym I got to see a lot of that. I appreciated that as a kid so I wanted to try to give back as much as possible. It means a lot to us too when the little kids come up and ask for autographs."

The team also credited Mackay with helping bridge the gap between out of town hockey players and local students.

"I got to grow up and see the relationship between the school kids and the hockey kids," he noted. "I know it wasn't great. The kids at school didn't really know the hockey kids and they didn't want to know them. It started out with just my friends I introduced them to my hockey player friends and kind of showed them that they're just normal guys that come from other cities."

"It started with that and the kids younger than me kind of started... it helps with the hockey guys too if they put themselves out there and introduce themselves to guys to make friendships. I hope that is something that sticks around and stays in Swift Current for a long time."

Now that he and so many pieces from last year's club are moving on Mackay still has a positive view of the future for the Broncos.

"I believe in it and I hope they do achieve great things," he said. "Hopefully Gawdin, DeBrusk, Leth and those guys can bring this team up, show the young guys the ropes and have success."

Training camp itself starts on Thursday with scrimmages at 4pm and 6pm daily until Saturday night.