It may have come as a bit of surprise, but Keegan Kanzig is happy to be a part of the Calgary Hitmen.
Late last Wednesday, it was released that Kanzig along with a 2016 second round bantam pick were headed to the Hitmen in exchange for Greg Chase and two picks, one in 2015 and one in 2016.
Kanzig, a 6’6”, 242-pound defenceman, debuted for the Hitmen at home Friday against Moose Jaw, ending up with an assist on the game-winning goal in the 5-2 victory.
“It was a bit of a shock and I didn’t really see it coming,” Kanzig said following Friday’s game regarding the deal that saw him pulled from the line up right before Victoria took to the ice Wednesday.
“I’m excited to be here. They have a good fan base and it was a lot of fun out there, it’s a great group to play with.”
Hitmen general manager Mike Moore and coach Mike French feel Kanzig fills a void in their defensive corps and brings not only size, but experience to the fold.
With the Royals, he garnered 23 points and 375 penalty minutes in 217 games over four seasons.
“We all agreed that at some point in time we were going to add a defenceman who had some maturity,” French said.
“Probably more importantly, a physical presence as well. I think we can check both of those off with Keegan.”
“He’s a good stay-at-home player,” Moore added.
“A big strong guy that plays well in his own end, moves the puck and keep the game simple.”
Regarded as one of the toughest defenceman in the WHL to play against, Kanzig is looking to bring that element of his game to the league’s Eastern Conference, which hasn’t seen a whole lot of the Calgary Flames’ 67th overall pick at the 2013 NHL Draft.
