The USPHL’s Ogden Mustangs have announced the commitment of defenseman Cameron Hawks to NCAA Division III New England College.

The Pilgrims play in the NEHC, and the school is located in Henniker, N.H.

“New England College’s strong winning tradition, proven track record of player advancement to professional hockey, and scenic location in the rolling hills of America’s ‘Live Free or Die’ state make this an excellent opportunity for me,” said Hawks, a San Diego, Calif. native. “In addition, Coach (Tom) Carroll expressed interest in me for the past two years, noticing my ability to defend, make plays with the puck, and all-around skill set that translates well to NCAA hockey.”

Hawks, 21, has played two seasons in Ogden while accumulating eight goals, 26 assists and 34 points in 89 games. He is officially the first commit of the 2021-22 season for the Mustangs.

In late October 2021, the Colorado Thunderbirds, Rocky Mountain RoughRiders and Colorado Evolution alum joined the Mustangs and immediately impacted the team when he scored a goal and an assist in his debut against the Pueblo Bulls. The addition of Hawks to a depleted defensive core was vital as the Mustangs turned a 4-4-1 start into a 29-17-2-2 record and first-place finish in the rugged Mountain Division.

“Ogden provides a genuinely unique hockey experience,” Hawks said. “Playing for the team that has the USPHL’s highest average attendance and most passionate fans motivates you to play the game you love to the best of your ability. The Mustang family’s impact on my life will stay with me in my future hockey endeavors. In addition, my academic interests are varied, and I will explore them while focusing on hockey.”

Hawks’ presence has elevated the Mustangs in all areas of the game, but none better than his detail-oriented nature.

“Cameron has been a dedicated member of our group for the last two seasons,” said Ogden head coach Kenny Orlando. “His skill development is evident in multiple areas through his years of hockey with the Mustangs. His skating ability, puck-moving IQ, and patience are things that now separate him from the pack. Cam will see success at the college level if he keeps the same drive and attention to detail that he has displayed with the Mustangs. Being such a structured individual, adjusting to college life should be relatively simple for Cam.”

The 5-10, 190-pound smooth-skating defenseman returned to Ogden for his final year of junior hockey in 2021-22. This season, Hawks tallied five goals and 18 assists in 49 games. His play earned him Player of the Week honors on October 6 in the USPHL Premier West Region. His one goal and three assists that week powered Ogden to dominant back-to-back shutout victories over in-state rivals the Utah Outliers (6-0) and Provo Riverblades (5-0).

With only a few games remaining in his junior career, he is ready for the spotlight and to elevate his game to another level with everything on the line.

“When it comes to playoffs, the intensity kicks up a notch,” said Hawks. “The competition is why you play the sport at this point of the season. As I said before the beginning of this season: Revenge Tour.”

The Mustangs begin their march through the postseason with the USPHL Mountain Division semifinals against the Northern Colorado Eagles on March 11-13 at the Weber County Sports Complex.

Photos/Jonny Berry

— Steffen Bell/Ogden Mustangs Broadcaster

(March 8, 2022)