Four Mustangs set for university hockey this fall

“It’s super exciting, it was a goal of mine to play university hockey, so it’s great to achieve that, and Carleton seems like a great fit for me… I’ve had some good conversations with their coach, obviously, a beautiful city in Ottawa, and it’s a good program that’s going in the right direction, so I just wanted to be a part of it,” he told northeastNOW.

“The Mustangs’ organization has done a ton for me, just developing me as a person and hockey player. Everyone in this organization has done a great job; it’s truly first class, all the boys every year have been great, and I just can’t thank everyone enough.”

Noel Englot, a 20-year-old native of Candiac, Sask. is joining the Adrian College Bulldogs.

Englot was only with the Stangs for half a season, but made an impact in his limited time. In 25 regular-season contests, he had four goals and 15 assists before adding another six points (2G-4A) in just five playoff matches.

“This was a really good decision for me because they have good academics down there, so I can get a good degree and job afterwards, but I also get to play hockey and compete for a national championship… the facilities are super nice, and they’ve had a really good team for a couple of years now. I’m super excited to go down there and live in the States and just see what it’s like and experience the whole thing,” saidd Englot.

“The SJHL was a heavy and hard-working league, so I think I’m going to be well-prepared for this next jump. My time in Junior was awesome, and I couldn’t have asked for a better spot than Melfort to end my Junior A career. Everyone was great, the coaching staff was awesome, and all the boys really welcomed me with open arms.”

Prince Albert product Danton Cox is now a NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) Ook.

At 5’10 and 165 pounds, Cox played parts of three seasons in Melfort, doing so as both a forward and defenceman. In 152 contests over that time, he helped the club win a pair of league titles and national silver medals, with 90 points (28G-62A).

“Just really happy that I get to keep playing, and NAIT was the opportunity that I liked the most. I had a lot of good phone calls with their coach, and we kind of sold each other on what we wanted, and it just seemed to fit really well. I grew a lot in Melfort, especially maturity-wise, so I think that’s going to help me a lot, and it’s gonna be a ton of fun,” Cox said.

“I learned a lot playing junior, especially in Melfort. I grew a lot mentally and physically, my confidence went up, and I just learned a lot about the game, the people, and the business of the sport that led me to where I am now. I feel like the last three years in Melfort have really prepared me for this next level, so I’m confident that I’m ready, and hopefully, all goes well.”

Joining Cox with the NAIT Ooks is 21-year-old, Buena Vista, Sask. native Zayden Sadlemyer.

The captain of the Mustangs this past campaign, Sadlemyer, was in Melfort for two years, winning a single SJHL championship and Centennial Cup silver, along with a Viking Cup with Bo Eisner. Through 127 contests, the 5’11, 170-pound forward racked up 41 goals and 57 assists for 98 points.

“I’m pumped about it. I’ve heard good things about the program, and they’re one of the few teams that are allowing me to take my paramedics course while also playing hockey. It’s an opportunity that kind of fell into my lap and worked out perfectly, where I can do the two things I really want to do. It’s a winning program with a great culture that’s already welcoming me with open arms,” Sadlemyer said.

“The coaching staff in Melfort really does a great job of making sure you’re not just a good hockey player…it’s about how you conduct yourself on a daily basis, and I feel like that’s really important heading into the next stages in life. Just try your best every day and win each day, no matter what you’re doing.”

Cox and Sadlemyer, who became best friends almost immediately when they met through the Mustangs, plan to live together while teammates at NAIT.

“Knowing Sads (Sadlemyer) was coming with me too, we’re just really happy that they had enough interest in us both, so just great that it worked out that way. When I was thinking of going and then found out that he was going too, it was just a no-brainer,” Cox added.

“It’s gonna be awesome, and I just can’t wait. We didn’t really plan it out where we were gonna kind of be a package deal, but fate just made it happen. He’s just such a great guy, and it’s super exciting that we get to spend a few more years together,” Sadlemyer concluded.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

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by Ben Tompkins

Four Mustangs set for university hockey this fall

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