(Submitted photo/Melfort Mustangs)

By Ben Tompkins

Staying in Saskatchewan

Captain Tkachuk commits to U of S

Jan 13, 2023 | 11:46 AM

Melfort Mustangs captain Ben Tkachuk has committed to the University of Saskatchewan.

The 2002-born forward will play with the Huskies in USports for the upcoming 2023/24 season.

“I am extremely grateful and honoured to commit to playing at the University of Saskatchewan,” Tkachuk said. “From the time I met their staff and saw their facilities, it was a no-brainer for me to choose them as my post-secondary school. I want to thank my teammates, coaches, and my family for everything they’ve done. I can’t wait for the future.”

The Gronlid, Sask. product, has spent the last four seasons with the Mustangs (two as captain), amassing over 150 games played.

Through 23 contests this season, the 20-year-old has five goals and 20 assists for 25 points, tying him for the team lead in assists and fourth in points. His 1.09 points per game also put him third on the team and 13th in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL).

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During the 2021-22 season as a 19-year-old, Tkachuk produced at a point-per-game in the regular season, scoring 17 times and adding 39 assists in 56 games. Tkachuk added three points in seven playoff games as well.

Meanwhile, in the 2020-21 COVID-shortened season, he scored three times in five games before the season was shut down.

And, as a 17-year-old rookie in 2019-20, Tkachuk was the third-highest-scoring U18 player in the SJHL, scoring 11, while adding 10 helpers, for 21 points in 56 games. He also went on to add a goal in four playoff matches.

The 6-foot-181-pounder will join fellow Melfort alumnus Justin Ball in Saskatoon, as he is also currently a member of the Dogs.

This marks the second commitment in as many days for the team, as hometown boy Zac Somers committed to the University of Maine on Thursday.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8