(Broad Leaf Media/Facebook)

By Ben Tompkins

Mustangs' 20s

The former rival turned teammate: Ashton Paul player profile

May 18, 2025 | 2:30 PM

The Melfort Mustangs are in the gold medal game of the Centennial Cup once again, which means their eight 2004-born players only have a single game left, win or lose, in their junior hockey careers.

The hope is that this very last game will be the best and most memorable one of their lives.

In the case of Ashton Paul, he’s spent less than a full season in Melfort, having been a mid-season acquisition.

Early last year, Paul was a Flin Flon Bomber, so he’s gone from division rival to championship teammate.

“I wasn’t here from the start, so coming here just before Christmas was pretty good for me, and I’m just happy that we won. It was a surreal feeling, and I’m so excited now to be in the Centennial Cup Final,” said Paul.

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“Coming to Melfort and making that decision halfway through my 20-year-old season was a pretty big decision for me, because Melfort was a really good team, and I wanted to end off as a champion. This was definitely one of the biggest decisions of my career, and it definitely worked out.”

The Pas, Man., native began his career in the MJHL with the OCN Blizzard, now known as the Northern Manitoba Blizzard, before going to Flin Flon.

Paul then went to the Dauphin Kings, where the Mustangs acquired him from.

In 48 games in a Blue and Green uniform, Paul has registered 39 points, which includes six points in six games at this year’s Centennial Cup.

“I’ve been working hard with the boys at the tournament this year, obviously, these are my last games of hockey, so I’ve been really excited to be able to go to battle with these boys. Hopefully, we can come out with a championship,” Paul added.

“The community has been great behind us, the fans and the support we have are unreal here, and I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s been a very good spot to end my career.”

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

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