Hilton hoping for a shot at pros
Apr. 28, 2010 - Regina Leader-Post
By Ian Hamilton
History major Brant Hilton is hoping to embark on a stint in the minors.
The 23-year-old goaltender has decided to leave the University of Regina Cougars men's hockey team in the hopes of beginning a pro hockey career.
"It kind of came up last year," Hilton, a product of Winnipeg, said Tuesday. "Before the season, I was thinking about what I was going to do after this year. I always wanted to go pro and I thought this was the best time to do it.
"(The 2009-10 Canada West season) wasn't my best year, but I figured I was going to try (the pro route) anyway ... Being 23 years old, I'm not getting any younger. I've heard a lot of teams are interested in older, more mature goaltenders, so I figured I'd give it a try."
Hilton had a stellar 2007-08 season at the U of R, setting a school record for lowest goals-against average (2.26) while starting 20 of the Cougars' 28 regular-season games. He was named the U of R's male rookie-of-the-year and was selected to the Canada West and CIS all-rookie teams as well.
Hilton followed that up with a fine sophomore season, posting a 2.36 goals-against average (second-lowest in school history to his '07-08 mark) and a .914 save percentage (tying for the second-best in Cougars history) in 15 games.
This past season, however, Hilton struggled to a 3.69 goals-against average and an .888 save percentage in 16 games. Asked if he thought that would hinder his chances at a pro career, Hilton replied: "I hope not."
"I put a resume together and I think it's a pretty good one," he continued. "Last year wasn't my best year, but if a team is interested, hopefully they'll look at not just this past year but to the years leading up to it."
"Brant had three good years here," noted Cougars head coach Blaine Sautner. "Last year, for whatever reason, he didn't find his stride. When (Adam) Ward was out with his broken finger, it was a chance for Brant to take the ball and run with it. He struggled a bit and his numbers dipped, but it wasn't reflective of his play."
With Hilton gone, Ward is the Cougars' presumptive No. 1 goaltender. The former Regina Pats netminder led the Cougars in goals-against average (3.25) and save percentage (.910) last season.
Shayne Barrie, who appeared in four games last season when Ward was out, plans to return next season. As well, the Cougars have successfully recruited AJ Whiffen, who starred this season with the SJHL's Weyburn Red Wings.
"It's Adam's job to lose," Sautner said. "I would think he'll get the majority of the games."
Hilton said Sautner's strategy of alternating goaltenders didn't play into Hilton's decision to move on. Instead, he reiterated it was just his "personal interest" in turning pro.
Hilton has signed with an agent based in Steinbach, Man., but neither the player nor the representative has heard from any interested teams as of yet. If Hilton doesn't get an opportunity in a league like the Central or East Coast, he suggested he'd continue his education at a school in Winnipeg.
His goal, though, is to land a contract.
"I'd love to play anywhere where somebody's going to give me a chance," Hilton said. "I'd like to play as high (up in the pro ranks) as possible so that if I don't make it, I can get sent to the league below ... I'd just like a chance."