(Photo Credit: Cara Kamps)

By Ben Tompkins

Mustangs Alum

Duguay named CCHA Rookie of the Week

Jan 15, 2025 | 5:31 PM

A Melfort Mustang alum has been recognized for his recent performance in NCAA Division I hockey.

Ryan Duguay has been named the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) Rookie of the Week.

Duguay had his first career hat trick this past Friday, before adding another goal on Saturday, all against a ranked opponent.

“It’s obviously really exciting to get the credit and get recognized. It’s a huge accomplishment for me and a big step in my career as I’m feeling more confident and comfortable at this level,” Duguay told northeastNOW.

“I’m just looking forward to a great rest of the season here in my first year, continuing to develop and grow my game, and hopefully, stringing some wins together to end off on a good note.”

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One of the best players on Melfort’s championship team last season, Duguay now plays for the Northern Michigan University Wildcats, alongside another Mustang alum Aidyn Hutchinson.

Duguay credited his teammates regarding his breakout week, as the Wildcats earned a split with the No. 12 Minnesota State Mavericks.

“I’d like to give a lot of credit to my linemates, Hutchinson was a big part of my hattrick on Friday night. It was a great opportunity for me to play a lot of minutes, I feel like I made a weekend out of it, and a hot stick always helps,” added Duguay.

Friday night’s 3-2 win for NMU snapped an eight-game losing streak and secured them their first victory over a ranked opponent since March of 2023.

Duguay, a native of Edmonton, Alta. now holds the Cats’ team lead in goals, also leading CCHA rookies on the week in goals (4), points (4), shots (6), PPGs (2), and GWGs (1).

“We’re a young group so it’s been a lot of ups and downs so far. I’ve dealt with a few injury troubles again this year, which is unfortunate. It has been a lot of learning and adversity for me personally and as a team, but I feel like we are taking big steps as the year goes on. It feels like we’re in every game we play and we’re looking forward to a great second half,” concluded Duguay.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8