Spartans add goaltender Mason, forward Cusmano to 2017/18 recruiting class

Trinity Western University has taken major strides in solidifying both its goaltending core and forward unit for years to come with the signing of netminder Garrett Mason and forward Dylan Cusmano.

Mason and Cusmano, who both come to TWU from Junior A programs, join the already committed trio of defencemen Mack Wiens and Brendan Campbell and forward Connor Burk as coach Barret Kropf’s first five signees of the Spartans 2017 recruiting class.

Mason joins the Spartans after an impressive year with the Humboldt Broncos of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in which he posted a .919 save percentage and a 2.83 goals against average.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound goalie is coming off his third year playing at the Junior A level, having previously spent time in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with Okotoks, Drayton Valley, Spruce Grove and Whitecourt. His most successful stint in the AJHL saw him post a 1.21 goals against average and a .950 save percentage in nine games with Spruce Grove in 2015-16.

“This is another high end recruit coming our way,” Kropf said. “Garrett has been a top Junior A goalie for the past three seasons with impressive numbers. With us graduating the best goalie in BCIHL history in Silas Matthys, we knew we would have to make a splash by landing a proven goalie with lots of experience. Garrett was the anchor in Humboldt this past season and gave them a chance to win every night. We expect the same from him with us over the next four years, as he slots into our strong core of returning goalies.”

Mason, 20, graduated from Holy Trinity Academy in Okotoks in 2014 and plans to study education while at TWU.

Cusmano, meanwhile, returns to the Lower Mainland after playing Junior A hockey in Manitoba and Ontario for the last three years. The Abbotsford product spent his last two years with the Virden Oil Capitals in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League where he put up seven goals and seven assists in 81 games.

Prior to that, he played in the Superior International Junior Hockey League in Ontario with the Dryden Ice Dogs, scoring 10 goals and adding 11 assists in 39 games in 2014-15.

Before his time playing in the Junior A ranks, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound forward spent two years with the Abbotsford Pilots in the Pacific Junior Hockey League.

“Adding speed and size into the lineup is always exciting to announce, and with Dylan he checks off both of those boxes,” Kropf said. “He has the tools to be a great player in our conference and we are thrilled that Dylan is coming back to the Lower Mainland after developing his craft for the past few years. His speed will open lanes for his linemates and he will certainly be a valuable part of our offence for the next four years.”

Cusmano, 21, graduated from Yale Secondary in 2014 and plans to study business at TWU.