Mackenzie Blackwood Family

MacKenzie Blackwood is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender, playing for the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL. Born on December 9, 1996, Blackwood was drafted 42nd overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. He set multiple records as a rookie, including becoming the youngest Devils goaltender to record multiple shutouts, surpassing Martin Brodeur. Blackwood represented Canada at the 2016 World Junior Championship and won a silver medal at the 2019 IIHF World Championship. After successful stints with the Devils and San Jose Sharks, he was traded to the Avalanche in 2024 and later signed a five-year, $26.25 million contract extension.

MacKenzie Blackwood parents

MacKenzie Blackwood was born to his parents Rhonda Crocker-Ellacott and David Blackwood.

MacKenzie Blackwood's father

MacKenzie Blackwood’s father David Blackwood was involved in local ice hockey teams and played an influential role in his son's early interest in the sport. A devoted fan of the Colorado Avalanche, he encouraged MacKenzie to support the team growing up. This connection made Blackwood's eventual trade to Colorado in 2024 particularly special.

MacKenzie Blackwood's mother

MacKenzie Blackwood's mother is a highly accomplished healthcare professional, serving as the executive vice president of patient services and chief nurse executive at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Blackwood took up the sport at the age of nine. However, after just one year, he briefly quit before returning to the game. When he was 12, his youth team’s goaltender was injured, and Blackwood volunteered to step in. He quickly developed a passion for the position and never looked back.

Blackwood started playing in local house leagues with the Volunteer Pool Bearcats and the Neebing Hawks before advancing to the Thunder Bay Kings in AAA hockey. He earned him a spot with the Elmira Sugar Kings in junior hockey. Recognizing his potential, the Barrie Colts selected him in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection.

"And then at 12 years old he jumped into the net and, really, the rest is history," Rhonda Crocker-Ellacott, told CBC. He just had a genuine love for the position and it was a fit for him, and [it was] a late opportunity but certainly he's made the most of that and he hasn't turned back since."