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Ex-Calgary Flames defenceman says playing in Canada was an 'absolute blast'

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Sep 3 2026, 5:28 pm
Ex-Calgary Flames defenceman says playing in Canada was an 'absolute blast'
Sergei Belski/Imagn Images

Not every NHL player has an issue suiting up for a Canadian market.

We have seen a recent trend in the NHL, specifically from American-born players, that suggests playing south of the border is ideal. To many, it not only features warmer climates, but also less hockey-crazed fans than you get in Canada, allowing players to be less noticed when they are out and about.

The proof is in the pudding, as the likes of Quinn Hughes and Brady Tkachuk forced their way out of the Vancouver Canucks and Ottawa Senators, respectively. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is attempting to do the same, as he recently went public with his trade request from the Winnipeg Jets.

This is something Calgary Flames fans know all too well, as they watched both Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk depart the organization following the 2021-22 season.

It isn’t just American players who have done this recently, either.

Though he didn’t request a trade, it had become apparent for some time that Mitch Marner had no intention of re-signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Knowing that he was set to depart the organization, former Leafs GM Brad Treliving shipped him to the Vegas Golden Knights.

All the recent examples have many Canadian fan bases down in the dumps, thinking players don’t enjoy playing in their cities. That isn’t the case for everybody, however.

MacKenzie Weegar, who spent parts of four seasons with the Flames before being traded to the Utah Mammoth, spoke about how incredible his experience playing in Canada was.

“It’s a tough question because as a Canadian-born player, to play in Calgary, for me personally, I had a great experience in Canada,” Weegar said during a recent interview with OverDrive. “Calgary was an absolute blast to play in. I think there’s great things to come for that team, especially.”

“It’s a bit unfortunate to see players wanting out of Canada just because I know how passionate the fans are there. The citizens in each city, how much they love their hockey and their star players.”

Weegar’s comments are particularly notable considering the Flames failed to make the playoffs during his tenure, yet he still came away with an appreciation for just how much hockey means to Calgary fans.

It also serves as a reminder that while some players may prefer playing in the U.S., there are plenty who relish the opportunity to play in a Canadian market.

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