London, ON - The Western Mustangs Men's Hockey team is pleased to announce six players have committed to the Mustangs beginning in the 2020-21 season.
"Coming-off a U SPORTS National semi-final in 2019-20 our expectations for this year are very high."
said Mustangs Head Coach Clarke Singer. "We feel our recruiting class adds some ingredients we lost due to graduation and will add to the depth of our team at all three positions."
2020-21 Mustangs Men's Hockey Recruit Class
Shane Bulitka
Position: F
Height: 5'11
Weight: 184 lbs
Hometown: Ilderton, ON
Previous Team: North Bay Battalion/Sudbury Wolves
Career Highlights: 2nd round selection in OHL draft, Lead team in plus/ minus category 2018-19, and named Captain of the Sudbury Wolves in overage season.
Why I Chose Western: Looking forward to coming home and playing for a University with a great reputation in academics, as well as athletics and helping them compete for a National Championship.
Coach's Thoughts: Shane is a former OHL captain and elite two-way player. He can play both special teams and will be an impact player immediately for us.
Drew Hunter
Position: D
Height: 6'3
Weight: 191 lbs
Hometown: Livonia, MI
Previous Team: Erie Otters / Niagara Ice Dogs
Career Highlights: My career highlights would be making the playoffs every year during my 4-year OHL career. 73 career OHL points in 212 games to go along with 10 points in 23 career playoff games. Then I was invited to the Toronto Maple Leafs development camp and Rookie tournament in 2018. I was also the assistant captain on the Niagara Icedogs before I was traded to Erie.
Why I Chose Western: I decided to come to Western based on the great environment the coaching staff has established. I could tell that they really cared about me as a person, player, and student. I think Western will offer me a great situation as to where I can develop my game and academics.
Coach's Thoughts: Drew had a great 4-year career in the OHL with Niagara and Erie. He is a big solid offensive D man that can play game against the opposition's top players or run the power play. He will have an immediate impact.
Mathew MacDougall
Position: F
Height: 5'10
Weight: 161 lbs
Hometown: Aurora, ON
Previous Team: Erie Otters / Windsor Spitfires
Career Highlights: Spent three years in the OHL split between Windsor Sptifires and Erie Otters. I played 156 games, 36 Goals and 38 Assists for a total of 74 points. I went to Tampa Bay's development camp and main camp.
Why I Chose Western: I chose to come to western because along with a strong hockey program, as well as an exceptional quality of education.
Coach's Thoughts: Mathew is a very skilled dynamic forward that was a real gift around the net. We are confident his scoring ability will translate to U SPORTS hockey. We are excited about him coming aboard.
Dylan Myskiw
Position: G
Height: 6'1
Weight: 180 lbs
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
Previous Team: London Knights / Edmonton Oil Kings
Career Highlights: Played in the CHL for 5 years with, Victoria, Brandon, Edmonton and London. Made deep playoff run in 2018-2019 with Edmonton Oil Kings. I attended the Winnipeg Jets development camp in the summer of 2019.
Why I Chose Western: I had a few options on where I wanted to go, but I thought Western was the best opportunity and fit for me to move on in hockey and also academically. They ard a high-end competitive team that I'm looking forward to playing for and make a big impact.
Coach's Thoughts: Dylan has had a tremendous CHL career and was one of the top overage goaltenders available this spring. He is athletic and technically sound and will be a tremendous addition to our crease.
Bailey Newton
Position: D
Height: 5'10
Weight: 180 lbs
Hometown: Oakville, ON
Previous Team: University of Alabama-Huntsville
Career Highlights: I spent 2 years at the University of Alabama Huntsville. Although we did not have much success, having the opportunity to play College hockey helped me develop as a player and a person, and I really cherish the time I spent there.
One of my favourite memories was playing in North Dakota who arguably has the best atmosphere and rink in the country. The student sections for the teams we faced across the country were always electric and blast to play in front of.
Why I Chose Western: One of the main reasons I am coming to Western is to get a degree from the Ivey School of Business. It is such a great degree, and I truly feel I will be ready for the professional world after graduation.
The other main reason I want to come to Western is that I get to play for a winning program. Having the chance to join a team that just came off a potential National Championship is an amazing opportunity. Western has always been a team that I have had a great interest in playing for, so I am excited to get things going and hope to help reach Nationals yet again!
Coach's Thoughts: Bailey is a bit of an unexpected addition to the blue line. Transferring in from NCAA D1 UAH for Ivey Business School. Bailey is a great skater and incredibly competitive and will be able to play a shutdown role for us.
Jack Shepard
Position: F
Height: 5'9
Weight: 180 lbs
Hometown: West Vancouver, BC
Previous Team: Vancouver Giants
Career Highlights: Drafted 23rd Overall by the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL Bantam Draft. I was an Assistant Captain with the U17 Team Canada White team. I played in the Ivan Hlinka Tournament with the U18 Team Canada. I attended the Arizona Coyotes Development Camp in the summer of 2019
Why I Chose Western: I chose to attend Western University because of the fantastic business and hockey program. I have a passion for hockey and have always been interested in business, and Western offers the best of both worlds. I can't explain how happy I am to be attending Western next year.
Coach's Thoughts: Jackson finished his WHL career with is hometown Vancouver Giants. A former Canada U17 player, he is an elite skater that plays with an edge and will be a great addition to the program.
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