Game-changing news strikes moments before the New York Rangers vs Senators matchup
The New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators are dealing with a surprise announcement ahead of the matchup tonight. Tragic news has struck forward Zack MacEwen.
Senators winger Zack MacEwen will have to take an indefinite leave of absence from AHL Belleville. He's suffered a tragedy in the family, as according to his own social media account on Instagram, he's taking time to heal from the death of his father.
"As many of you now know, I will be taking a leave of absence from hockey to focus on myself," MacEwen wrote. "For people that know me, you know how hard the loss of my father was, and I will be taking the steps to heal and get the help that I need.
"I'm very thankful for the love and support I have already received. I am especially thankful for my amazing wife who has been my rock. Please respect my privacy at this time."
"Craig loved both of his boys, supported their dreams and instilled in them the importance of hard work, dedication and being a good man," the foundation's website says. "Craig always carried a smile, had time for a chat and offered to lend a kind ear. He loved to help people, often passing the boys' outgrown hockey equipment to whoever needed it. It did not matter what it was, Craig would give what he had quietly and without hesitation."
MacEwen is in the second of a three-year deal he signed with the Ottawa Senators which pays him $2.3 million AAV in 2023.
He originally signed as a free agent with the Senators, he has split the season between the AHL and NHL clubs and has scored 3 points( 1 G, 2 A) in 21 games.
He's been in the minors since last week, posting five goals and four assists for nine points in 15 AHL appearances this season.
MacEwen has been an enforcer during his stints in the NHL and serves as a power forward in the AHL with the Belleville Senators.
He's produced 0.63 points per game over his 182-game AHL career compared to 0.14 in his 237 big league games.
The enforcer's presence in the lineup for the Senators has been a coup for the team, as he has helped control possession on the ice with a 53.4 CF% at 5v5.
"The entire Senators organization is committed to assisting Zack during this time," said the team in a statement. "He is a valued member of our organization and has our full support."
The Senators enforcer has played 237 games during his NHL career and scored 34 points( 17 G, 17 A) with 323 PIMs.
We send our deepest condolences to Zack and the MacEwen Family.
| POLL |
5 HOURS AGO | 50 ANSWERS Game-changing news strikes moments before the New York Rangers vs Senators matchup Rest in Peace to Crag MacEwen |
|
|
1 hour ago | By Joshua Deeds Tragic Passing: The Hockey Community Mourns The Passing Of 1600 Game NHL veteran |
|
4 hours ago | By Hunter Bowman New York Rangers official lineups for matchup against the Ottawa Senators has just been announced |
|
6 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds New York Rangers Projected Lineups for tonight's Game Against the Ottawa Senators |
|
7 hours ago | By Hunter Bowman New York Rangers issue a surprising announcement regarding two of their star players |
|
9 hours ago | By Hunter Bowman Insider reveals Atlantic Division team emerges as frontrunners to acquire Rangers top defenseman |
|
12 hours ago | By Ryan Hall Sportsnet Insider reveals the Rangers have some competition as a new team enters the J.T. Miller sweepstakes |
|
23 hours ago | By Hunter Bowman Brett Berard's future with the New York Rangers was just confirmed following latest statement |
|
Jan 20 | By Hunter Bowman 4x Stanley Cup Champion and Former Original Six Legend Sadly Passes Away at 93-Years Old |
Previously on NYRangersInsider
