By Joshua Boyd / NCDCHockey.com
Grant Hineman found a fantastic new home when he settled in Ogden, Utah, last year.
The 2004-born native of West Chester, Pa., quickly absorbed all there was to like about the city on the edge of the Wasatch Range. Most especially, he loved the city’s dedication to its USPHL team, the Ogden Mustangs, and the Mustangs’ dedication to each and every player. Hineman was a blueliner last year for the Mustangs – and he’s back in Ogden for another season in 2024-25.
“Re-signing with the Mustangs was a no-brainer for me because of how they treat both the team as a whole, and the players individually. The town of Ogden, the fans, and the billets bring a culture to the rink that is easy to play for and rally behind,” Hineman said. “Games are always packed and the energy is electric in the building. Being on a winning team is also hard to get away from. Our team success and culture make it an easy choice to come back and get even better as a player. Our coaches also help extensively to get us to the next level whether it be college commitments or pro leagues overseas.”
Hineman tendered with the Mustangs after a long youth and midget career with the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers organization in his hometown. Along with posting 12 points from the blue line, he was also second on the Mustangs in hits (60) and third in takeaways (438). He also had two points in 12 playoff games as the Mustangs went all the way through the playoffs to Game 3 of the Dineen Cup Finals.
“My time with the Mustangs has been crucial to my rapid improvement as a player. The culture and constant mindset to come to the rink and compete every day to make each other better is infectious in the locker room. Everything from practice and film to team workouts are competitive and rigorous for our individual benefit,” added Hineman. “That’s where I would say the Mustangs played the biggest part in my improvement – just constant encouragement and trying to find the edge to make myself better.”
That is a common theme among the several returning Mustangs, including fellow blueliners Jack Bartfield, Owen Hendrikson and Ethan Hall. They are ready for a big year of improvement and development – and to try to get another shot at the Dineen Cup.
“Last year’s season was one of the most developmental and intense seasons of hockey for me. Taking a part in the best team in the Mountain Division and chasing a championship was one that a junior player strives to accomplish,” said Hineman. “Coming up short of the Dineen Cup, although crushing, will only motivate both the team and myself more to get back to the point and take the trophy back home to Ogden. I’m looking to take my leadership and poise with the puck to the next level.”
Hineman was one of the 20-plus players from the Mountain Division to get their first look beyond the Rockies at the NCDC’s Eastern contingent, when they faced the eventual Dineen Cup Champion South Shore Kings in the Dineen Cup Finals. That certainly gave him a whole new appreciation of the NCDC.
“The competition in the NCDC really surprised me when it came to how skilled and intense the league is. The league is filled with fast, smart, and structured teams that seem to never give up. No matter what the score is, it seems like the game is never over since teams just never seem to give up,” added Hineman. “When it comes to scouting opportunities, the showcases present opportunities for colleges from all over the country to come and watch us. Coaches are always calling and emailing since they can watch online as well, so there is no question that scouts are watching.
“I have multiple schools on my radar already and I’ve been talking to many of them over the summer,” added Hineman. “I’m looking for a school on the East Coast in the New England region with a strong program both athletically and academically.”
The NCDC wishes Grant Hineman and the Ogden Mustangs the very best of luck in 2024-25.
