By Clark Stork

Mustangs’ Heidt happy to be back after shoulder injury

Feb 20, 2018 | 4:00 PM

After an injury sidelined him for almost 50 games this season, Melfort Mustangs’ defenceman Tyler Heidt is back.

The 19-year-old Saskatoon product was coming off a stellar rookie SJHL season, claiming a spot on the all-rookie team while landing a Division I scholarship to Alaska-Anchorage. Heidt said he trained hard all summer and was prepared for a big second season before he suffered a shoulder injury at training camp in September. Originally he was expecting a relatively-brief month-long recovery, but Heidt said his trainer in Saskatoon suggested an MRI, which revealed a torn labrum. He said that news was hard to take.

“I was in such good shape and wanted to have a great season for Melfort,” Heidt told northeastNOW. “It was actually more emotionally tough than it was physically, trying to stay positive was the toughest part.”

Heidt spent most of the season at home in Saskatoon and occasionally travelled to Melfort to support his teammates. He said he had his own support in Saskatoon from Winnipeg Jets draft pick Nelson Nogier, who experienced the same injury.

“He was such a great guy to be with and show me the ropes,” Heidt said.

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After almost six months off, Heidt made his season debut Friday night at the Northern Lights Palace versus the Flin Flon Bombers. He said hitting the ice for the pre-game warmup was a special moment.

“That first game was something I will never forget,” he said. “To have the support from the fans and my teammates, I’ve never felt that before.”

It didn’t take Heidt long to make an impact. He assisted the Mustangs’ first goal in their win over the Bombers, and added a second assist during Melfort’s victory in Nipawin Saturday. For his efforts, Heidt was named SJHL Defenceman of the Week on Monday. He said the recognition is nice, but the team deserves the credit.

“It’s a good accomplishment, but I couldn’t have done it without my team,” he said. “We have a great group of guys here.”

The Mustangs are off until Friday, Feb. 23 when the team begins a three-game series against the Battlefords North Stars.

clark.stork@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ClarkStork