Meet Owen Hutzul
South Side Athletic Club U16AAA (AEHL)
“5’10” 145 Pounds
2006 DOB – Defence
Tell us about your hometown, family and hobbies. How did you originally begin playing hockey? What is your favourite memory from when you were younger?
My name is Owen Hutzul and I was born and raised in Edmonton Alberta I was raised by my parents Courtney & Laura alongside my siblings Charlie, Isabelle and Merrick. I got into hockey at around the age of five. I remember watching my older cousins play and me falling in love with the game. My favourite hockey memory from when I was younger is when we defeated the Vancouver Vipers in the gold medal game.
Who is your favourite NHL player and who do you model your game after? Why?
My favourite NHL player is Quinn Hughes. He is a young skilled defenseman who plays a pile of minutes. I model my game after him as well. I like to think I am a skilled puck-moving defenseman who is able to Quarterback the power play and plays a lot of minutes.
What team do/did you play for? What was your favorite part from the season?
I played for the U16AAA SSAC bulldogs plus numerous games for U18. My favourite part of the season was in Whitby Ontario (Silver Stick). I was exposed to some high-level hockey that I hadn’t seen in a while and I felt I performed great. One honourable mention is my between the legs goal this year.
What are your top goals as a student athlete? Why are they your top goals?
My ultimate goal as a student-athlete is to reach an average grade between 85 to 90. This is achievable by putting in the work when needed. These are my goals because having good grades open up many opportunities in and outside of hockey.
How important is school from your perspective? Why is it that way?
School is important in many different ways. It provides a good hardworking foundation of growth that can open up many future opportunities. Knowledge is power.
What would it mean to you to play at the NCAA or Pro level?
It would mean the world to me, knowing that all of my hard work had paid off. NCAA is my Main goal as of now. Being a successful player in the NCAA can open up lots of opportunities as a professional and allows for you to show your true self and true skill as a player.
What separates you as a player or person? How do you continue to get better?
What Separates Me is my desire to win, I love winning! I am a skilled puck-moving defenseman who will give consistent effort every night and I will do whatever it takes to win. Off the ice, I am a humble respectful person that tries my hardest in anything I do. I have been told on many occasions I am very teachable/coachable. I will continue to grow and get better as a person by reminding myself that these are the key qualities for becoming a successful human being.
What impact are you looking to have in your sports careers (community, team, success, etc.)
My ultimate goal is to make it to the professional level. but as of now, my goal is to create long-lasting legacies as a player for whoever I play for. I am also looking to impact success. I want the team to be successful because of me and many of the other players.
One fun fact about yourself.
Even though I barely touched the clubs, I am half decent at golf!