Spencer Machacek

Spencer Machacek was a lanky, two way right winger from Lethbridge, Alberta.

He was an integral member of the Vancouver Giants 2007 Memorial Cup championship, playing on the top line with Wacey Rabbitt. The following season he benefitted most from Milan Lucic's graduation to the Boston Bruins. Machacek was named as the Giants new team captain and responded with a career year.

This was all great news for the Atlanta Thrashers/soon-to-be Winnipeg Jets. They had drafted Machacek 67th overall in the 2007 NHL Draft and appeared to be getting a pretty good prospect. He was a deceptive skater though lacked top end speed. He had a strong shot. He also provided good support for his teammates and was responsible defensively. He played a simple game, staying in his lane.

Machacek put together solid AHL seasons in his first four seasons as a pro. He would earn a total of 25 games called up. But ultimately he was unable to dominate the game with his physical size like he did in junior, and he lacked the speed to change his game to succeed at the NHL level.

Machacek moved on to the Pittsburgh and Columbus organizations, but never returned to the NHL. He would head to Europe in 2014.