(Graphic courtesy/Melfort Mustangs)

By Ben Tompkins

New Captains of the Ship

Mustangs announce 2023/24 leadership group

Sep 22, 2023 | 10:00 AM

The Melfort Mustangs have announced who they will have leading their team for the 2023/24 season.

The club has a new captain of the franchise, as well as three new assistants to round out this year’s leadership group.

“It’s a big honour,” explained leith Olafson, the Mustangs’ new captain. “I just have to have confidence in myself and the team, and that will spread to everyone else and they will follow suit and become leaders themselves.”

Along with Olafson gaining the ‘C’ on his chest, Zac Somers, Aidyn Hutchinson, and Chase Friedt-Mohr will now have ‘A’s on their chest.

Captain: #43- Leith Olafson (2003)

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The three-year veteran of the blue and green has already spent a full season as an assistant captain (last year), hile recording 45 points in 113 combined games played as a defenseman.

He was described by head coach and general manager Trevor Blevins in one word; character.

“It was pretty much a slam dunk decision to make him our captain,” Blevins said. “One word to describe him would be character and just phenomenal in all things. He’s what we want other players to be, just the prototypical Melfort Mustang on and off the ice. If we have all our players play and act like him, we will be in good shape.”

Assistant Captain: #21- Chase Friedt-Mohr (2003)

One of the newest additions to the Mustangs this year is the WHL veteran blueliner, who was acquired in a blockbuster offseason trade with the Melville Millionaires.

The Prince Albert native has already garnered high praise from his new coach, being called an “instant leader.”

“Super respectful, coachable, and has really been phenomenal with the young players who he just wants to help out. Just a great person within the dressing room and you can see he’s got instant respect by how he handles himself. For us to have him on the ice too is just about a bonus,” Blevins said.

Assistant Captain: #47- Aidyn Hutchinson (2003)

A two-year veteran for the Stangs, last year’s Three Star Selection award winner (which is presented by Pattison Media) is one of three of the organization’s newest assistant captains.

The St. Albert, Alta. product was a key cog during last year’s run and according to his coach has only become better, both on and off the ice.

“He’s just a really good soul,” mentioned Blevins. “He really brings that peace to our dressing room and wants everyone to be a part of things. He’s always inclusive and it just makes the whole team feel like everyone’s important. I think with him it’s a great combination of his play and how he conducts himself as a person.”

Assistant Captain: #14- Zac Somers (2004)

And finally, the hometown favourite who was born and raised in Melfort rounds out this year’s leadership group.

It was unsure whether or not he’d be back, but when he announced his return for one more year this offseason it was welcome news to everyone, especially his coach, as it’s already paid off with a letter on his jersey.

“His play dictates leadership, he’s grown so much here since he was a 17-year-old and we’re looking to him for that leadership in bringing up the young guys and setting good examples,” added Blevins. “He has really bought in to be that and it’s good to see he’s doing a great job so far.”

All four will be key pieces of the puzzle this year in working to achieve the goals that Blevins has set out for the season.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8