Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

'Energy guy' Machacek signs two-way contract

SPENCER Machacek understands the strengths and weaknesses of his game better than anyone.

He long ago gave up any notion he would be a regular fixture on the highlight-of-the-night spots, but would instead attempt to carve out a career as a reliable two-way player.

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Apparently, the Winnipeg Jets brass like what they have seen so far.

Machacek, the 23-year-old product of Lethbridge, Alta., who suited up for 13 games last year with the big club, was signed Tuesday to a reported one-year, two-way contract that would pay him $575,000 in the NHL.

"I'm all about keeping it simple," said Machacek Tuesday, just prior to taking the ice with the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, of which his brother Cason is a member.

"I'm a two-way forward, an energy guy who likes to get hard in on the forecheck. I've earned everything I've got through my hard work. I'll just keep doing that and chip in when the goals or points are needed to help the team out in any way... blocking a shot, getting into a fight, whatever.

"I try to do something on every shift."

That much was obvious in the second of Machachek's two call-ups last year. In an 11-game stretch near the end of the season, the former Vancouver Giant picked up nine points (two goals, seven assists) and helped bring life to an attack looking for help due to injuries to Tanner Glass and Kyle Wellwood.

Machacek spent most of the season with the St. John's IceCaps, leading the club in scoring with 50 points (18 goals, 32 assists) in just 61 games.

"I made some good strides last year and had a lot of fun playing there," said Machacek. "Hockey is a lot about confidence and that call-up at the end of the year, I knew it was a good time to come up and the Jets were making a playoff push. I was really excited and just wanted to do whatever I could to help the team win. It's unfortunate that didn't work out, but I think I made strides."

The Jets have one remaining restricted free agent -- leading goal scorer Evander Kane has yet to agree to terms on a new deal.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 12, 2012 0

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