(Graphic courtesy/Melfort Mustangs)

By Ben Tompkins

Major Contributors

Mustangs new leadership group leading the charge early this season

Sep 26, 2024 | 5:00 PM

The Melfort Mustangs have a new leadership group this season, as some of their players are now tasked with a greater level of responsibility.

Whether that’s on or off the ice, these individuals began those duties this past weekend, when the letters on their sweaters were showcased for the first time.

Ty Thornton is the new Melfort captain, while Zac Somers, Logan Belton, and Nic Andrusiak are the assistants.

Mustangs’ head coach and general manager Trevor Blevins had great things to say about the four newly minted captains, as they showed up in a big way opening weekend.

“With Ty, he does everything the right way. He’s a really good individual with high character, he’s very respectful and he works really hard. He’s also really good away from the rink, he’s good with people, and he’s a good communicator,” Blevins told northeastNOW, regarding Captain Thornton.

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“His work ethic, his commitment to the game and to this program, there are lots of guys in this dressing room that bring that, but Ty has been here for three years and his effort and character are what sets him apart as an elite player in this league. We are proud to have him as our captain.”

Thornton has three assists through two games, including the primary helper on Melfort’s first goal of the season. The Sherwood Park, Alta. native has spent the past two years with the Stangs under the leadership of Ben Tkachuk and Leith Olafson.

Thornton explained he learned a lot from both and is honoured to follow in their footsteps.

“I’m pretty excited for it, I think I’m ready to step into that role and kind of have a little bit more of a voice this year… it’s obviously an honour I’m hoping I can show the younger guys how to get it done this year,” he said.

“Ben treated me very well and was probably one of the best captains I’ve ever had and then Leith took us to a championship. I always want to represent myself and the team well, especially around the community, and I hope everyone else feels the same way.”

As for Belton, the Winnipeg, Man. product lit the lamp the most for the Blue and Green this past weekend, scoring three times (including the team’s first of the season, and the game-winner in the second game) to go along with a pair of assists.

He, like Thornton, is now in his third year with the organization.

“Logan brings it every day with his work ethic, he’s such an intelligent player and is very much a character in the dressing room. He’s very well-liked and is an important teammate in the dressing room,” added Blevins.

“Most importantly, I think he leads by example, and not only does he put up points, but his responsible 200-foot play is what sets him apart. He very much deserved to be in the leadership group because of the type of person he is.”

Meanwhile for Andrusiak, the Tisdale native is a newcomer to the Mustang organization having spent the last two years in the WHL. Even as a defenceman, he was able to display his scoring prowess, picking up five points in just two games, including the overtime-winning goal in the season opener.

“In the short time that we’ve coached him, we sure appreciate what he brings, and we’re really excited for him to be a piece on our blue line this year. His demeanour is something that’s calming and respected by the guys, and he brings many years of experience, playing at a higher level,” continued Blevins.

“You can see that when he’s the first one at the rink, he’s in the gym early in the morning, and he has the habits of wanting to develop and continue his own personal growth and play, and that’s looked up to. He brings a lot of intangibles into our dressing room that we’ll need when the chips are down, especially on tough nights.”

And finally for the hometown product in Somers, who is set to enter his fourth year with the group, once healthy, will retain his role from last year.

When he returns from rehabbing an injury, the Melfort local will don the ‘A’ for the second year in a row, as the Mustangs’ only returning assistant captain.

“Zac knows what it’s all about, he’s been here for four years now and he understands the work, day in and day out, so we’re really excited for him to get back on the ice and show what he can do this year. He’s rehabbing right now and getting into shape, but he’s been a pleasure to coach… and when we took him at 17, it was a great step for him and he flourished,” Blevins concluded.

“For him in that dressing room too, guys can look up to him as a player that’s received a division one scholarship and has seen results because of his time in Melfort, which I think is important too. You talk about him as a teammate, he’s also very well-liked, and respectful and brings a lot of support for his teammates.”

Thornton, Belton, Somers, and Andrusiak are all in their 20-year-old season, which translates to their final year of Junior A eligibility.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8