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Cole Harbour, NS is a suburban community in the
Halifax Regional Municipality. It is also home to Pittsburgh Penguins superstar
Sidney Crosby.
However, the accolades do not end there for the town
of Cole Harbour.
Another hockey player will be coming out of that city
and he could be the next Sidney Crosby.
This article will introduce you to Halifax
Mooseheads center Nathan MacKinnon.
MacKinnon played in the minor hockey system in Cole Harbour,
as well as for the renowned hockey program at Shattuck-Saint Mary's School, which
has produced stars in the National Hockey League, such as Crosby, Jack Johnson,
Kyle Okposo, Zach Parise and Jonathan Toews.
In June 2011, MacKinnon was selected first overall
by the Baie-Comeau Drakkar in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Draft but
was later traded to Halifax.
He enjoyed a tremendous rookie campaign in Halifax by
leading the team in goals (31), assists (47) and points (78).
Currently, MacKinnon is considered the best player
available in this year's draft class, but is being challenge for that spot by
Portland Winterhawks defenseman Seth Jones and Finnish center Aleksander
Barkov.
As far as his skill set, MacKinnon has all the tools
necessary to be a star in the NHL
He has great hands and possesses a superb skating
ability. Moreover, he plays big and is not afraid to mix it up and get
physical, much like Crosby's on ice rival Alex Ovechkin.
MacKinnon is a dynamic center with exceptional
on-ice vision and reads plays very well. Compounded with his vision is his
powerful shot and creativity with the puck.
What impresses scouts even more about MacKinnon is
his willingness to improve everyday and his work ethic as a hockey player. He
wants to be a leader in the NHL and his hard work will pay off eventually.
Nathan MacKinnon is destined for stardom in the NHL
and will contribute instantly to the team that chooses him.
I foresee MacKinnon as a first-line center and a
player that franchises will build their teams around.
On Thursday's edition of the Prospect Preview, we
will focus on Adam Erne of the Quebec Remparts.
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