By Joshua Boyd / NCDCHockey.com
A two-year veteran of the Ogden Mustangs, defenseman Grant Hineman attributes a lot of his success to the organization and how they helped him earn an NCAA Division III commitment to Salve Regina University for the 2025-26 season.
Hineman, a West Chester, PA native, signed with the Mustangs during the 2023-24 season and contributed 12 points in 50 games played. It was a no-brainer for him to return this season and he has established himself as a top defenseman. In 48 games, Hineman has 21 points (three goals, 18 assists) and was also chosen as a Mountain All-Star in January.
“I have nothing but great things to say about the Ogden Mustangs and what they did for my career,” said Hineman. “A winning culture, great fans, and top-class coaches like Kenny Orlando are together a recipe for success as an organization. I decided to sign back with the Mustangs this year to win another championship, this year setting my eyes on the Dineen Cup. I also knew that playing for Ogden would allow me to be seen by colleges that’d be interested in attending, thus committing to Salve Regina.”
During the fall of this season, Hineman started connecting with Salve Regina head coach Zech Klann and assistant coach Connor Leighton. He explained how the coaching staff liked his “compete level and the skill I would bring to the team.”
Being in Utah for the season, Hineman has not yet visited the campus in person, but has only heard great things about the Newport, R.I., school. The hockey culture really drew Hineman in to want to play there and academically, the business program intrigued him.
“Firstly, the fantastic resume that the coaching staff has made me immediately interested in the program,” said Hineman. “Always fielding a competitive team with a terrific record allowed me to understand the high standard and culture that the team possesses. On the academic side, having a strong business program peaked my interest,” said Hineman.
“The accelerated graduate program would allow me to earn my bachelor’s degree early and start my master’s degree in my fourth year. Both academically and athletically, Salve Regina proved to be a great fit for me.”
Moving up to the NCAA level, Hineman knows the level of intensity picks up and he plans to work hard in the offseason to be ready.
“I’m continuing to work on my shot and puck poise,” said Hineman. “Moving up to the NCAA level, the game only gets faster. Developing my finer skills will be sure to help me make an impact immediately at the college level.”
Hineman hopes to finish out his juniors career strong and help his Ogden Mustangs team (33-12-2-0) make a deep playoff run.
“With the Mustangs the rest of this season, I hope to win the Mountain Division playoff and get revenge, winning the Dineen Cup this time,” said Hineman.
The NCDC congratulates Grant Hineman, his family, the Ogden Mustangs and Salve Regina University for his commitment.
