'BIG YEAR FOR MYSELF'

As with everything in life, it can be easy to focus on the negatives.
Much, much too easy, in fact.
It's human nature to see the obstacles in the way when you're trying to reach a goal. You worry about the end result you're striving for without appreciating the journey to get there.
Connor Mackey is mindful of that.

The defenceman comes into this year's Flames camp battling for a job with the big club on a crowded blueline. But instead of letting the pressure overshadow the experience, the 26-year-old (who recently celebrated his birthday on Sept. 12) has not lost sight of the incredible opportunity that lays in front of him.
"Absolutely," he said. "I mean, playing in the NHL is very kid's dream. I dreamed of this growing up and I'm thankful just to be part of this organization and be playing preseason games and trying to earn a spot on this team. That's exactly where I want to be right now."

Mackey will be part of the loaded Flames side that will play the Canucks tonight in Calgary at the Scotiabank Saddledome (the game will be livestreamed on CalgaryFlames.com) as part of a split-squad tilt with another group lacing up on the left coast.
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The undrafted rearguard suited up for 53 games with the AHL's Stockton Heat last season (since relocated and rebanded to the Calgary Wranglers), notching five goals and 36 points. He added a goal and four points in seven postseason tilts.
He collected an assist playing three games with the Flames and the totality of that has him eager to show he's ready for the next step as a fulltime NHLer.
"It's really exciting," he said. "I mean, most excited I've been coming here to camp.
"Seeing everybody and we have some new faces as well and knowing it's a big year for myself. There's definitely pressure that comes with it but that's just part of the game, you gotta kind of embrace it and go out there and play my game. And I think for me, it is an exciting time of year; just looking to make the most of my opportunity.
As with all players looking to impress head coach Darryl Sutter and the team brass at camp, the key is not to overthink things or try and do too much. You want to go out, play your game and execute.
Sounds simple enough, right?
"I pride myself on being a two-way defenceman, taking care of my own end first and foremost, and obviously, we want to win hockey games in the preseason and ultimately my goal is to make a team so that's what I'm looking to do," he said. "And prove to everybody I can play at this level consistently."
Mackey had a great opportunity in Saturday's intersquad scrimmage to skate on a pairing with highly-touted offseason acquisition MacKenzie Weegar and should start alongside him tonight.

He was asked about the opportunity and his thoughts on Weegar.
"A good-skating defenceman," he answered. "I think the first thing I noticed was how good his stick was - he's got a long stick and he sees (the game) really well, breaking up plays. So that was the first thing that stood out for me. But very smart, always in a great spot. So just looking to keep it simple with him tonight and communicate a lot."