Arizona Rubber

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USPHL’s Mullets bring back Litchfield Park native, Arizona youth hockey grad Scott for ’22-23 campaign

 

The USPHL’s Minnesota Mullets have announced the return of veteran Brent Scott.

The defenseman was solid for the Mullets last season and will look to continue his success in the upcoming campaign.

The Litchfield Park native is the second of the Mullets from Litchfield Park to return for the new season following the announcement of forward Tyler Ortega. Veterans Scott and Ortega will accompany new recruits Ben Willcoxson and Oliver Craft from Arizona. Scott, Ortega, and Wilcoxson all played for the same Arizona Bobcats 18U AAA team during the 2020-21 season.

In 2021-22, Scott logged minutes in 42 contests with the Mullets, tallied 15 points (four goals, 11 assists), and posted 24 penalty minutes. He ranked tied for second in scoring among team defensemen and first in scoring among team rookie defensemen. Scott recorded a season-high three-point game (three assists) against the Rum River Mallards on February 18 and played in all three playoff games to conclude the season.

Scott returns to the Mullets with some clear direction in mind and a hunger to improve his game. In one regard, he aims to work on his shutdown game and give the goalies some relief, commenting, “I think that as a defensive unit we need to give our goalies less shots. To me, we have the best goalies in the USPHL, and if we’re able to let them face less shots as well as chances, then we should have a really great year.”

He also wants to improve his game in the offensive zone, indicating he might be ready for more responsibility, whether that be 5-on-5 or on the power play.

Mullets head coach Chris Walby agrees, saying, “Brent is a playmaker on offense. He makes a great first pass, carries the puck well and joins the rush without hesitation. Brent’s a heads-up player, has a high hockey IQ and he’s got a heavy, accurate shot with a quick release.”

It’s growth that he’s after in order to reach the collegiate level and it’s because of this fact that he has decided to return to the Mullets.

“I believe Coach Walby can help me take that next step into college hockey, as well as providing me with a good competitive year and allowing me to grow,” Scott said.

Walby understands Scott’s goal and is excited for the opportunity to help further his development so he can achieve his dreams.

“He’s going to have a fantastic season and draw a lot of interest from several schools we pinpoint early,” said Walby. “I’m really excited to watch him lead this year’s group of defensemen. He earned and embraced a leadership role late last season and I expect him to pick up exactly where he left off in that department.”

Growth and leadership skills come through the exciting transition from “rookie” to “veteran” in the locker room.

“As a rookie, you don’t know anything about the league, the teams you play, or even the area you play in, in my case,” said Scott. “Being a veteran means I know what to expect and I can plan for it to help my team out as much as possible. It’s also really important for me to help out the rookies on the team because if we can help our rookies grow, then we as a team can grow together.”

Coach Walby noted of Scott, “As a rookie, he earned the trust of his coaches late last fall and saw his ice time increase dramatically. He’s very tough to play against. He competes hard, doesn’t like to get beat defensively and plays with a ton of grit.”

More than anything, Scott is excited to return home to his brothers-on-ice and the atmosphere of it all.

“I really love the Mullet atmosphere,” said Scott. “We’re a team and a family, and I think that’s hard to find in junior hockey.”

During his days in the desert, Scott skated for the Bobcats, Jr. Coyotes, DYHA Jr. Sun Devils, Arizona Runners and Arizona Hockey Union.

— Brandon Laxson

(July 21, 2022)

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