The Ogden Mustangs celebrate Andrey Shmakov’s commitment to Weber State University.
Shmakov was impressed with the WSU coaching staff after attending a couple of games this season. Speaking from his home in Moscow, Andrey said, “I spoke with the coaches and they really wanted me to come play, it was an awesome feeling.”
Coach Orlando said, “Andrey definitely saw growth in himself both as a player and person during his time in Ogden. His game on the ice matured, as well as his mindset towards the game as a whole. Andrey held himself to a high standard, always expecting offensive production. Buying into what we taught him really helped shape his game. He’s a very creative player with the puck, we wanted him to embrace that, while being strong in all other areas of the ice. It was a pleasure coaching Andrey for the last two seasons.”
The Ogden Mustangs had a big impact on Andrey. “Ogden really is the best organization. The fans and the atmosphere are second to none. I enjoyed it so much and the community motivated my game as a hockey player.” he mentions.
Andrey played 2 seasons with the Mustangs where he was relied on for making plays and creating offense. Andrey collected 26 goals and 32 assists in 93 regular season games.
The Ogden community was pivotal in Andrey committing to WSU. “Ogden really helped me develop an American lifestyle. I’m fluent in English and I miss my American family - my billet family, especially.”
Coach Orlando finished with, “Seeing Andrey want to continue his future with hockey/schooling in Ogden just shows the tremendous role our community plays and how easy it is to fall in love with Ogden. We wish Andrey the best of luck and look forward to seeing him around the rink for years to come.”
When asked how he would like the fans to remember him, Andrey says, “I want to be remembered as a great hockey player and a community guy. I always connected well with the people of Ogden”
This fall, Andrey Shmakov will pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering at WSU.