It's been a few years since Tristan Mullin last suited up for the Dauphin Kings, but... playing in Dauphin was the start of what's becoming a pretty successful hockey career.
He played during the 2013-14 season.
"It was a really cool experience playing in Dauphin," said Mullin. "That was the year we were hosting Westerns, and we ended up losing in the league final... and that still haunts me. We got the chance to play in the RBC Cup, and we were only two wins away from winning a National Championship. It's too bad we couldn't get it done, but it was still a pretty memorable year."
After a full season with Swan Valley, Tristan moved out west to play in the BCHL with the Powell River Kings, where he played two seasons. All in all, he put up 189 points in 211 games between the three organizations.
Now, the 21-year-old is playing NCAA Division 1 hockey with Cornell University... and he just completed his first season with the team. In 26 games, Mullin added six points (4 G).
"It's definitely been a change from Jr. for sure," said Mullin. "It's not young kids anymore, it's all grown men so everyone's a lot stronger. The pace and everything just picks up. It's been pretty crazy because I got used to playing Jr. hockey, and then everything just completely changed up here. It's definitely a bit of a curveball, but... I've been really enjoying it. Cornell has been great."
"And, obviously I have school on top of everything, so that's a challenge," he added. "You have to be on ball with keeping your grades up and managing your time."
Playing as a league-rookie and having to earn every second of his playing time, Mullin talks about the challenges he ran into during his first season of the top college hockey in the world.
"College is a completely different game than Jr., it's almost like a chess match," said Mullin. "And, the rosters are bigger. We carry 16 forwards and only 12 play, so if you're not performing in a game or practice, you're not going to play. It's a hard reality, but you have to bring it every single day... or you won't play."
During his Jr. days, Tristan scored 89 goals, and his scoring touch is something he's hoping he can bring to Cornell a lot more next season... after he scored four times this past season.
"I definitely bring a scoring touch to the ice," he added. "At the start of the year I didn't get many opportunities, but by the end, I was getting some powerplay time. It's all about making the most of your chances, especially at this level."
With the positives, come the negatives, but in this case, Tristan is already working hard on them.
"I definitely was struggling in the d-zone early in the season, and that's a huge deal in college hockey," said Mullin. "That was a learning curve, and my skating isn't great. My coaches are great and are always giving me drills, and helping me to improve it. Playing in the NCAA is a pretty incredible experience."
Playing in the Ivy League, fans are always regarded as passionate, and faithful... and that's the same for Cornell.
"Our fans are crazy," said Mullin. "We sell-out probably half of our games, so like 4500 people. And, if we're not selling out, it's darn near close."
Mullin at NHL Development Camp:
To kick off the month of July, Tristan took part in San Jose Sharks Development Camp. The camp featured other top prospects who were trying to show off their skill, and impress the scouts and coaching staff.
"That was a super cool experience," said Mullin. "It was completely different than I thought. Usually, it's just scrimmages to see who can light it up, but it was a lot of drills. It was basically all focused on skills, and things you'll need to have success at the next level."
Tristan believes playing at the camp will give him more of a chance at having success in the fall when he heads back to New York to suit up for Cornell.
"It definitely helped me with some of my weak points, so now I can work on them," said Mullin. "It also identified my strengths as well. It's not just about going to the rink anymore and then doing whatever. It's about being focused 24/7 now, and if you aren't... you won't succeed."
