Last Friday was an exciting day for the Mustangs as team-leading scorer Shane Gilbert and starting goaltender Travis Allen have both officially made their commitments to NCAA Universities.
Gilbert will be attending Fredonia State University in New York. The Devils compete in the SUNYAC (State University of New York Athletic Conference) in NCAA Division III.
Gilbert is a 6'0" and 180 lbs forward from Huntington Beach, CA. A speedy and versatile player who has been a model for consistency since joining the Mustangs.
"Fredonia's Head Coach, Jeff Meredith, was the first NCAA coach to call me this year in late October. He told me about their immense business program, top-end facilities, rink on-campus, and I was all ears! We ended up talking once-a-week and built good trust in our relationship. I had a few other schools on my list that made the decision much more difficult, but once I officially committed, it took all of that stress off and I couldn't be happier."
Gilbert joined the Mustangs last season after playing for California Wave 18U and JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He has scored 124 points in 93 regular-season games and scoring 4 points in 10 playoff games last season.
"Ogden has done so much to help me prepare. From the training schedule, the on-ice systems, the traveling, the fans, the discipline, and the way Coach Laime runs the program in its entirety at a professional level. So, most definitely, Ogden has prepared me in so many ways for NCAA hockey."
With only a handful of games left, Gilbert is hoping to make a lasting impact on the Mustangs.
"I'm looking to have a long playoff journey and venture into the Thorne Cup Finals once more. I want to help the team score as much as I possibly can."
Allen will be attending Bethel University in Minnesota. The Royals compete in the MIAC (Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) in NCAA Division III.
Allen is a 5'11" and 185 lbs Goaltender from Lino Lakes, MN. A very poised and athletic goaltender who has been a force in net all season since being acquired in early November.
"I use their facilities in the offseason and I know their goalie coach very well. It just happened to be a perfect scenario for me to meet them and start the conversations. It's the easiest decision I have ever made. They are a program on the rise and combined with a top-notch education; it is one of the best places to be for a guy like myself. I couldn't ask for anything better."
Allen was acquired during a Mustangs road trip in Southern California during the beginning of November. He played with the St. Cloud Blizzard of the NAHL to begin this season. Allen also starred at Centennial High School in his home state of Minnesota. He has posted a record of 14-3, .943 Save %, 1.29 GAA and 3 shutouts for Ogden this season.
"The coaching staff, organization, and facilities give me the chance to push myself each and every day. We have a world-class set up at the rink that allows me to improve my skillset. The support from the organization and coaching staff combined with the facilities leads to the success of us players. We will continue to do so, as well.
Like Gilbert, Allen is seeing his Junior hockey career beginning to wind down, but he isn't finished yet.
"I'm looking to continue to improve my game and as a leader on this team. The sky is the limit for the Mustangs as a team and as an organization. I am forever grateful for what the Mustangs have done for me."
We look forward to the rest of this season with Gilbert and Allen as they continue their quest for the Thorne Cup.
The Mustangs (38-3-1-1) will look to keep things rolling at home this weekend when they host the Seattle Totems (17-18-3-0).
Feb. 14th-16th | Vs. Seattle Totems
The Ice Sheet | Ogden, UT
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