Colorado Rubber

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Pro, NCAA commits add up for WSHL’s Mustangs

 

Five players from the 2014-15 Ogden Mustangs team that won the Western States Hockey League’s Mountain Division will either play professional hockey or NCAA Division III next season, with three more advancements pending.

Goaltender Troy Turpin (Becker College), defenseman Jakob Engvall (Plattsburgh State University) and forward Andreas Zollner (New England College) are campus-bound, while defenseman David Clements (Coventry Blaze) and forward Craig Moore (Dundee Stars) will suit up in the Great Britain-based Elite Ice Hockey League and start their pro careers in their native land.

“What I enjoy most about Ogden is the culture we’ve created,” said Mustangs coach Jake Laime. “It’s a destination for a player looking to be part of something bigger.

“We have a family – a very tight bond with an incredible owner, staff and fan base. We’re a recognized brand identified by players and NCAA schools alike.”

Laime added that playing a system that pays great attention to detail helps players round out their games and, in turn, get noticed by scouts and coaches at the higher levels.

“Systems are an integral part in our success and also aid in the advancement of our players,” Laime said. “Collegiate hockey is very system-based, and if you have no prior concept of playing within a system, chances are you’ll struggle at the next level.

“Having the ability to play several systems also says your team can adjust to change and is very coachable.”

With a good chunk of last season’s team advancing, Laime believes all of them have the potential to be impact players at their next destination.

“Every year, we try to place our players not only in the best programs, but more importantly the best programs for them,” said Laime. “All of our players have been very successful in their jump to the NCAA.

“Aside from the effort they put in, part of the recipe for success is putting them into the right program. Our focus is to move our players to the program that’s going to allow them the opportunity to play.

“Most of our guys have stepped into their respective programs and have contributed right away.”

– Matt Mackinder

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