SEAMANS COMMITS TO SUNY CANTON 

By Brandon Laxson 

Moving from ‘player’ to ‘alumni’ next for the Mullets is captain Jack Seamans as he commits to SUNY Canton to continue his playing career. Not only is the venture east an opportunity to advance his playing career, he will also continue his journey to a degree that was started here in Minnesota. 

A product of Wayzata High School, Seamans knew he could, and would, take his game to the next level. It was his passion and talent for hockey that brought him to the Twin Cities to play for the Minnesota Mullets, but not after a quick pit stop in St. Peter. 

“I went to Gustavus for the fall semester of 2020. I was planning on just trying to walk on and make their team even though the odds weren’t in my favor. After about November, we still didn’t have a team at Gustavus because there was discussion about a season not even happening” said Seamans.  

He continued, “Bret Peterson, the coach of Gustavus, knew Coach Walby and referred me to him. After the first practice, I knew Coach Walby and I would be very close. I played my first game against the Northern Colorado Eagles in December of 2020 and played for the Mullets through the rest of my eligibility.” 

Prior to his USPHL debut, Seamans played at Wayzata following his Bantam AA days. The forward collected 20 points in two seasons leading up to his move to juniors, and his start with the Mullets, where his career took off. 

The Medicine Lake, Minn., native accumulated 69 games played with the ‘Mullies’ over two seasons and reached new heights on the scoresheet and in the locker room in his final season. 

Though his career with the Mullets is coming to an end, there is no doubt that the five-foot-nine, 183 pound forward made quite the impact throughout his allotted eligibility. Mullets head coach Chris Walby put it plainly, “He’s been tremendous here both on and off the ice for us.” 

What more of a reflection of that is there than being named one of the team’s captains? The honor, and responsibility, was bestowed upon Seamans for his last campaign and he did not tread lightly.

“I was honored. As a captain I was excited to do everything I could to inspire our team. Although I had a letter on my chest, I didn’t want to take away from the fact that everyone on the team can be a leader.” 

Further, Seamans learned a thing or two about being a leader. “As a captain, I learned that a captain doesn’t take credit for what’s going well and doesn’t blame others for what’s going poorly. The important thing is the team and each individual out there putting our jersey on. Regardless of status.” 

Aside from being awarded a ‘C’ on his sweater to round out his career in juniors, Seamans was unmatched in production. 

The skilled left winger was atop his team in scoring while registering a 1.43 point per game average in the 2021-22 season; a feat unmatched by any of his teammates. 

In 44 games played in his second and final season with the Mullets, Seamans compiled a total of 63 points; a career best at any level of play, per EliteProspects.com. His 26 goals and 37 assists were also team and personal bests. 

It would be remiss to not mention his special teams ability as well. It is no surprise that a player who could perform on five-on-five could also produce with the man advantage, and produce he did. In two seasons, one being shortened due to pandemic restraints, Seamans secured 19 power play points, tallying 10 PPG and nine PPA.  

Seamans was tied for team leader in power play goals in his final season, a position he shared with teammate Jared Petty. It was PPG in a Mullets sweater where Seamans would get a nudge, however, since Petty was acquired from Rum River where he tallied five of his eight on the season. 

Number 88 now looks to take his talents to the state of New York to play NCAA hockey. 

The SUNY Canton Kangaroos finished their 2021-22 season with double-digit wins and secured the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Commissioner's Cup, per Nate Hart of RooAthletics.com. 

A natural-born competitor, the Mullets’ captain is eager to advance to the next level and continue the on- and off-ice success he saw in 2021-22, but recognizes his priorities. 

“I’m excited to grow as an individual and continue on to the next chapter of my life. In being a student athlete, I have to know that school comes first and I must balance my time and schedule accordingly. I'm very excited to meet new people and play for Coach Boak and Coach Corrigan.”  

Though the departure of such an impactful player is bittersweet, it is also necessary for player, and personal, development. Players and coaches alike are often saddened by the departure of a close teammate and friend, but the feeling is coupled with hope for the future. 

Coach Walby is no exception. “I’m very excited for Jack and his family. He is heading to a great program … I wish him the best of luck and can’t wait to follow him over the next four years.”

It is not only those who are left behind that can feel some growing pains with moving on. What will Jack Seamans miss most about the Mullets? 

“Everything.” 

Though he did not need to elaborate, the forward continued, “I would give everything to play one more shift for [Coach Walby] alongside my brothers. The camaraderie our team had was amazing. We were so close off and on the ice despite barely knowing each other when we reported to camp.” 

SUNY Canton men’s hockey is set to participate in a home-and-home exhibition series with Hobart College in October to open the 22-23 collegiate season and Seamans is sure to continue his career of success at the next level. 

Additionally, what made his time in the Twin Cities just a little bit more special was the rare opportunity to play and room with his own flesh and blood, brother Finn Seamans. Though all hockey players who share a bench and a locker room are brothers, there is something added to be playing with biological family. The pair shared an apartment with teammate Jacob Vontersch which undoubtedly aided in bonding. 

“My brother and I had good chemistry on the ice, which probably comes with being around him for 18 years. It was an awesome experience for him as well as myself, and it’ll be different without him for sure.” 

While only being a few years apart in age, the pair of brothers never really saw action together on the ice prior to the Mullets, excluding the occasional pond match. The experience of finally getting to play with Finn was extraordinary and it showed. 

The captain would like to leave one final note for all of his Mullet brothers: 

“I loved my team and I don’t know where I’d be without them. My team made me better every day and I couldn’t pick a better group of men to go to battle with. I have so much appreciation and thanks to the entire Minnesota Mullets organization… I love the team, I love the organization, and I will make sure to always stay connected with it.”