Article content

Blair Mackasey’s life in hockey has come full circle.

The 62-year-old grew up in Montreal as a star athlete in both hockey and baseball. As a teenager, Mackasey played defence for the Junior Canadiens in the winter and was a first baseman in the Expos’ minor-league system in the summer, playing on the same team as Gary Carter and Ellis Valentine.

When Mackasey had to pick a sport to focus on, he chose hockey and in 1975 he was selected by the Washington Capitals in the fourth round of the NHL Draft and by the Indianapolis Racers in the fourth round of the WHA Draft. Mackasey would end up playing only one game in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 1976-77 season before requiring back surgery that ended his playing career.

Now, the Beaconsfield resident is back with the Leafs after being hired recently as a pro scout following 12 years with the Minnesota Wild as a scout and director of player personnel.