Ryan Duguay celebrates after a goal, along with future Wildcat teammate Aidyn Hutchinson, and former Mustangs teammate Nolan Patterson (photo courtesy/Broad Leaf Media, Facebook)

By Ben Tompkins

Division One

Duguay joining Hutchinson in Northern Michigan

Jul 24, 2024 | 11:25 AM

Less than 24 hours after it was announced that Melfort Mustangs forward, Aidyn Hutchinson committed to the University of Northern Michigan to play NCAA Division I hockey, the same was confirmed for Ryan Duguay.

Duguay spent parts of two seasons with the Mustangs, after being acquired in October of 2022 from the Drumheller Dragons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

In his first season in Melfort, the 2003-born forward wasted no time in becoming productive, immediately winning Player of the Week honours. He would go on to finish the year with 37 points (13 goals and 24 assists) in 39 regular season games.

The Edmonton Alta. product then started the 2023/24 campaign as hot as anyone, leading the league in points and goals through the first couple of months, before an injury forced him to miss significant time.

Duguay was back and ready for the playoffs, however, playing a significant role in the Stangs SJHL Championship run, alongside fellow first liners in Hutchinson and Clay Sleeva.

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In 34 regular season games during the 2023/24 year, Duguay put up an impressive 52 points. He would go on to add 24 points in 17 playoff games and five points in four contests at the Centennial Cup.

“Ryan is very deserving of his commitment to Northern Michigan. He has persevered through injuries and obstacles in his career and has always found a way to succeed. This is a true testament to his strong character,” said Melfort head coach, Trevor Blevins.

“Ryan’s commitment to develop his game into a more complete 200-foot player was an important factor in our championship season. Not only did he score big goals for our team, he played a competitive heavy game. A great hockey player but more importantly a fantastic person who will definitely excel as a student/athlete with the Wildcats.”

The 6-2, 187-pound forward will always be remembered in a Blue and Green jersey, as his overtime winner in Game 7, at home against the Humboldt Broncos, to send the Mustangs to the SJHL Title series, is one of the most memorable in franchise history.

The University of Northern Michigan Wildcats are a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, having won one national title and appearing in the Frozen Four on three separate occasions.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8