By Alexis Demopoulos
The Ogden Mustangs pushed defenseman Owen Hendrikson in the best way possible towards a strong 2023-24 season of 13 points in 47 games. Coming back for the 2024-25 season was a no-brainer. Hendrickson credits the Mustangs for making him the player he is today and for helping him attain his goal of playing college hockey. With the help of the NCDC and the Ogden Mustangs organization, he has earned himself an NCAA Division III commitment to Gustavus Adolphus College for the 2025-26 season.
“Playing with the Ogden Mustangs has been the pinnacle of my career,” said Hendrikson. “I have grown tremendously as a player while being surrounded with some of the greatest people I’ve ever met. I knew before signing in the 2023-24 season that they were a high-end program, and I was correct. My great experiences brought me back for another year in the 2024-25 season.”
Hendrikson also credits the NCDC for helping his game take-off and for all the experiences that the league gives you to help him land a spot playing college hockey.
“The NCDC helped me showcase my skills in multiple ways,” said Hendrikson. “With showcases, playoffs, and even regular season games, the NCDC made it very easy for colleges to view my game and compare it to other phenomenal players in this league.”
The Rosemount, Minn., native began his communications with Gustavus Adolphus this past summer and he felt an immediate connection to them.
“I reached out to them (Gustavus Adolphus) and got to go on a visit to check out the campus,” said Hendrikson. “Later in the year, during the hockey season, they came to watch me play at the showcase. They liked my confidence and poise with the puck. We then had multiple talks which ultimately led to my decision to choose Gustavus.”
Not only was it the perfect fit hockey-wise as he admired the coaching staff, but academically they have exactly what he was looking for.
“The new coaching staff seemed very optimistic to me,” said Hendrikson. “The connection they had with the players and the vision they had for the year was very exciting. I knew Gustavus was a highly respected college and knew I would get a great education there. I was also informed that they are strong in my preferred major [finance]. Those two reasons helped me make my final decision.”
The facilities on the campus made Hendrikson feel very welcome and he intends on majoring in finance when he gets there next year.
“I learned that Gustavus loves their sports teams,” said Hendrikson. “The modern, top-of-the-line facilities were outstanding and it was a blast to check everything out. I knew from then on, I would be treated very well once I arrived for the year. I plan on going into Finance. I have had family members in the industry and have grown very familiar with the ins and outs. Gustavus offers a phenomenal finance program, so I was super excited to hear that.”
Hendrikson takes pride in his defensive abilities and next season at Gustavus Adolphus hopes to tap into his more offensive side. He will keep working hard for the remainder of this season with the Ogden Mustangs and hopes to win a Dineen Cup with them.
“I believe the best parts of my game at defense is controlling the play, and shutting down opposing plays,” said Hendrikson. “As a defenseman you are the quarterback on the ice. You need to have a calm presence, which I feel I acquire. Also stopping the opposition offense is the No. 1 job of a defenseman, in which I take a lot of pride in taking odd man rushes and clearing pucks. With the history of last year, I hope to finish the job this season.”
The NCDC congratulates Owen Hendrikson, his family, the Ogden Mustangs and Gustavus Adolphus for his commitment.
