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In his eighth year in the coaching ranks, Chris MacKenzie came to UMass Lowell following a stellar career at Niagara University and a one-year stint as a professional in the Finnish Elite League.
MacKenzie assists in all facets of practice and games, along with scouting and recruiting. In addition, MacKenzie spearheads the community service initiatives for the River Hawks. He also serves as the team's academic coordinator, helping a record 17 players earn Hockey East All-Academic accolades in 2004-05.
A native of Niagara Falls, Ontario, MacKenzie was a founding member of the Purple Eagles program and served as a captain - the University's first - all four years. MacKenzie played under the tutelage of both UML head coach Blaise MacDonald and assistant Kenny Rausch.
MacKenzie was the recipient of the Coaches Award as a freshman and as a junior and holds the University's school records for goals (20), assists (77) and points (97) by a defenseman.
During Niagara's short stay in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) West, he earned Conference Player of the Year honors and was named to the ECAC West All-Star Team. MacKenzie continued his prowess when the Purple Eagles entered College Hockey America as he was named to the 2000 CHA All-Conference Team.
In his senior year, he helped Niagara - in only its fourth season - to an NCAA Tournament at-large bid where it stunned the University of New Hampshire, 4-1, in the Northeast Regional. The Purple Eagles, who finished with a 30-8-4 record, had their run end in the regional final with a 4-1 loss to eventual national champion North Dakota. Along the way, MacKenzie helped Niagara to an undefeated season in CHA competition (15-0-2) as well as the CHA regular season and tournament championships.
Majoring in commerce with a concentration in human resources management, MacKenzie maintained a 3.5 cumulative average and was named to the dean's list six times and the CHA All-Academic Team as a senior. He was also the recipient of the Everett W. Ockerman Award for excellence in human resources management from the University's College of Business.
Following graduation, MacKenzie played professionally for JYP Jyvaskyla in the Finnish Elite League. MacKenzie received his Masters in Social Psychology from UML in 2003, and has participated in numerous USA Hockey Select 14 Festivals over the years.
Prior to attending Niagara, MacKenzie played at the junior `B' level with the Niagara Falls Canucks, which won the Sutherland Cup (provincial) and Golden Horseshoe League championships.
