Ashton Paul (Broad Leaf Media/Facebook)

By Ben Tompkins

Southern Heat

Former Mustang attempting to go pro in U.S.

Sep 10, 2025 | 6:00 AM

A former Melfort Mustang is looking to take the next step in his hockey career by joining a professional league.

Ashton Paul, a member of last year’s Sangs squad, has earned a Professional Tryout (PTO) with the Huntsville Havoc of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL).

“I’m excited to head out that way. I’m gonna have to work hard, do my thing, and just be confident with the puck. I’m sure I’ll be fine after I do that, just get all the nerves out while I’m there, and hopefully, things will be good,” Paul told northeastNOW.

“I don’t think I’m really ready for school yet, so I wanted to try something a little different and go pro… I’d rather play pro and try to work my way up. I’m setting my sights on the SPHL, making this team, and then working my way up. Hopefully, make the team, put up some numbers, and maybe even some penalty minutes, and just make myself a noticeable player in the league. We’ll see what happens from there.”

Paul played four full seasons of Junior A hockey in both the Manitoba and Saskatchewan Junior Hockey Leagues.

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Through a combined 241 games between the OCN Blizzard, Flin Flon Bombers, Dauphin Kings, and the Mustangs, the 21-year-old racked up 174 points.

“I’m gonna have to be a little bit more physical than I was in junior and use my big frame, score some goals, make some plays, and maybe get a fight or two in. I’m really excited… the SPHL is a really good league with a lot of very skilled players,” Paul added.

“The SJHL helped me out a lot, especially in Melfort, with my confidence, making plays, and getting stronger on the puck. I’m confident that I’m going to perform well and have a decent shot at making the team. I’m going there to make the team, so I’m going to do everything I can to achieve my goals. I’m going to work very hard over there.”

Until Paul, a forward, arrives in Huntsville, Alabama, later this month, he will be training in the Alberta Elite Junior Hockey League (AEJHL) with the Lac La Biche Islanders.

The Pas, Manitoba, native is ready for the challenge, the change of scenery, living on his own, and making his invitation to the Havoc’s camp worth it.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8