The Mustangs are proud to announce the signing of Forward Elijah O’Neal for the 2022-2023 season. The Southern California resident is ready to start the season. O’Neal states, ”I decided to join the Mustangs because they have a great program where I will be pushed to grow as a player. Coach Orlando was very welcoming, and it’s nice knowing players I’ve played with prior will be on the team.“
Coach Orlando sees value in O’Neal’s play style. “Elijah will do what it takes to put the team first, even if that means he’s doing the ugly work. He is a good teammate and wants the betterment of the group at all times. He will be comfortable coming in to a group of guys that he knows and we expect to push him outside of his comfort zone on the ice.” Orlando continues, “Elijah has great character off the ice, his charitable efforts around the community are very admirable. That’s the kind of character we want in our room.”
O’Neal remarks on his play style, “I’m a defensive forward. I will give 110% and sacrifice my body to eliminate scoring chances. I’m going to do anything and everything to help our team win.”
O’Neal has experience playing with a bunch of the Mustangs roster when they were on the Anaheim Jr. Ducks together. The players include Rutkai, Ferry, Slayback and Voyatzis and he is excited to be reunited with them. Last season in the USPHL Premier for Hudson, O’Neal potted 5 goals and 14 assists in 43 games.
O’Neal is big into the community efforts and that is something that pulled him to Ogden as well. “My personal goals this year would be to grow as a player and be a crucial part of Ogden Mustangs. I also want to be a vital part of the Ogden community. I’m used to doing a lot of volunteer work with KidsCures and KohlsCares foundations. I love being able to help others and look forward to doing the same in Ogden.” Elijah concludes.