The Moncton Mystics will have a new shot-caller at the helm of their Maritime Women’s Basketball Association team.
Longtime New Brunswick Intersholastic Athletic Association coach Troy Mackenzie will handle duties for the Mystics as the Moncton club prepares for its third season of operation in May.
Mackenzie takes over the Mystics in the footsteps of Jillian Smith.
He is a former Peg McAleenan Coach of the Year award winner in the NBIAA for his work with the Moncton High Purple Knights, where he attended two Final 12s at the girls’ AAA level.
‘Coach Mackenzie’s passion and dedication to the sport is undeniable,’ said Moncton owner, Shannon Parlee. He will be a familiar face with the players and coaches across the league.’
A mathematics teacher at MHS, Mckenzie is the owner/director of NXT Level Basketball in the Moncton area.
‘It is an honour for me to take over as the head coach of the Moncton Mystics,’ said Mackenzie. ‘I am overly excited about the opportunity and looking forward to competing at a high level with familiar faces. The Mystics basketball organization is an incredible body of people that love the game of basketball and are committed to the growth of women’s basketball in the Maritimes. I’m looking forward the journey ahead with a great group of people.’
The Mystics will host training camp next month and prepare for a major pre-season tournament in St. Stephen, NB.
The Battle at the Border – presented by McDonald’s – is set for St. Stephen April 27 and 28 featuring the MWBA’s four New Brunswick-based teams.
Moncton will be joined by the Fredericton Freeze, Miramichi Her-icanes and Port City Fog of Saint John.
The Mystics open their season May 4 in Fredericton against the Freeze.
Moncton’s first home game is Saturday, May 11, against Halifax Hornets.