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OHL Kitchener Rangers

Patience Pays off for Justin MacPherson

September 25, 2019 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Kitchener Rangers News Release


It's widely known that the game of golf demands a level of patience that isn't sustainable for many. But for Kitchener Rangers veteran defenceman Justin MacPherson, being exposed to it at a young age has helped him in more ways than one.

"Patience is really big, being able to learn that at a young age has helped me a lot," said MacPherson.

The self-described "big family guy" fell in love with the sport when his grandfather, who had a large property in Kingston, created a green in his backyard that allowed Justin to spend his summers "chipping away, putting, and hitting balls left, right, and centre."

"I'm definitely not an ace putter, but my mid-game is probably my strongest," he said, with a wry smile.

Justin's dad has always been a golfer too and he enjoys "going out to different courses with him - as well as with a couple of buddies around town."

It's no surprise that he credits the time with golf club in-hand for making his shot his biggest asset on the ice. That and his skating, elusiveness, and the way he "sees the game; being able to make those quick plays under pressure."

"I'm not the biggest guy out there, but I'd like to say that I can go into the corner with anybody and win a battle too," said the 6'01", 173-pound blueliner.

Justin is never one without a smile on his face around the Rangers locker room since joining the team via a trade with Niagara in August 2018. MacPherson credits his parents for "emphasizing the importance of being grateful for everything, being responsible, having respect for others, and not taking anything for granted."

The ability to maintain a positive attitude and stay levelheaded ultimately landed him a free agent invite to the St. Louis Blues Rookie Camp in September. This after a season in which he recorded the third-highest points total for defenceman on the team with four goals and 21 assists (he had 24 points in his first two seasons combined).

In just his third game with Kitchener, he also notched his first ever three-point game - which came on the road in Windsor.

"That phone call from the Blues was pretty nice to have," after being passed over originally in his draft year. "It's a step I wanted to take, like I've been dreaming of it since I was a little kid. To put an NHL jersey on for the first time was great and hopefully something will come out of the experience."

True to form, he's appreciative of Rangers staff for helping him earn his latest opportunity at the next level.

"From the coaching staff to the equipment managers and trainers, everything is so professionally-run here. It's so fortunate that we get the support needed to prepare for the professional opportunities that arise," he said.

Going into his fourth year, his off-ice focus includes paying it forward by leading the next wave of Rangers stars by example.

"I've never been a guy who's been the number one guy or the superstar. Behind the scenes though, I'm always putting in the work and that's definitely carried me through to getting these opportunities at the next level."

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from September 25, 2019


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