MacKinnon overcomes flu; excelling in second season

Nathan MacKinnon is in his second season with the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this year. The 6-foot, 182-pound forward had 31 goals, 78 points and a plus-11 rating as a rookie last season. His 47 assists led all first-year players in the league, and he finished second to 2012 first-round draft pick Mikhail Grigorenko in voting for the QMJHL Rookie of the Year award. He's currently on a seven-game goal-scoring streak (11 goals) and nine-game point-scoring streak (18 points) for the Mooseheads and is tied for fourth in the QMJHL with 24 points in 13 games. MacKinnon, who is projected to be a high draft pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, has 15 goals and a plus-17 rating for the season.

Hello everybody!

The season, so far, has been awesome. The boys have been very consistent and are improving each day, which is very important for us moving forward, as we are aware each game will become more and more difficult. However, each team has obstacles to overcome and ours happened to be fighting the flu. Around half the team caught the sickness. Guys were playing sick and became very run down. Myself, along with others, laid in bed for four-to-five days. Personally, I couldn't eat my normal amounts so I drank lots of ginger ale and took vitamins. Thankfully I was back to normal and kicked off the season as healthy as before.

The season has been solid up to now. Obviously, a season comes with its ups and downs and I am prepared for that this year. I find coming back for a second season is a much easier adjustment. Over the summer, you have the opportunity to study your game and analyze what makes you successful and what needs work.

We have a mature, experienced team, including my two linemates Jonathan Drouin and Stefan Fournier. I built chemistry with Jo in the playoffs last year, and with Fourns, building has been very smooth. Part of that is that we are all friends off the ice. Jo injured his shoulder and has almost completed his recovery; the team misses him out there.

This year it was tough for the coaching staff to choose the team captain. We have many leaders in our locker room, all capable of wearing the 'C.' I thought it was a good idea for us to name co-captains -- defenseman Trey Lewis and my linemate I previously mentioned, Stefan Fournier. They are two great guys in the dressing room, and both bring different elements making them different, but excellent captains.

Lastly, some recent news I have received is that Jonathan Drouin, Zach Fucale, Brent Andrews, and myself were named to represent the QMJHL in the Subway Super Series [Nov. 5 and 7]. It's going to be even more special this year as we all get to experience the event with three of our teammates. All of us are looking to come out with two wins for the Q!

Thanks for reading my blog everyone!

Follow Nathan MacKinnon on Twitter at: @Mackinnon9