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Willcoxson Joins Mullets

By Brandon Laxson, 06/15/22, 8:00AM CDT

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National Champion Defensemen Headed to State of Hockey

WILLCOXSON JOINS MULLETS 

By Brandon Laxson 

The Minnesota Mullets are proud to announce the addition of defenseman Ben Willcoxson for the 2022-23 season. He will arrive in the State of Hockey from the Valley of the Sun. 

Willcoxson joins the Mullets after a successful stint in Arizona where he helped lead his U18 Tier II 3A team to a national title last season. He collected three points (1-2=3) in six games throughout the tournament, an experience he will always remember. 

“We had a very special team. All the boys knew that we could do something special. Winning a national championship will be a lifetime memory for me.” 

The battle for the title is not only a memory the defenseman will cherish, it helped further his hockey career. His effort and skill garnered the attention of Mullets head coach Chris Walby, who spoke highly of the new recruit. 

“Ben comes to us from a great program in the U18 Arizona Bobcats. He played a pivotal role in their National Championship run last season. His talent and experience in big games will help him have success at this level and I’m confident he’ll contribute here immediately.”

The Phoenix, Ariz. native recorded 10 points (3-7=10) in 12 games played for the 18U AA Arizona Bobcats and tallied four more assists in his time with the NAPHL 18U counterparts. The blueliner also spent time playing for Chaparral High where he tallied 39 points (20-19=39) in two seasons.

He will now take his talent up north. 

Transitioning from the desert heat to the frigid cold could be difficult for some, but the Willcoxsons are familiar with the legendary Minnesota winters. Dave Willcoxson, Ben’s father, spent four seasons playing collegiate hockey at Minnesota State, Mankato from 1987-91. 

It is more than family ties to the Land of 10,000 Lakes that drew the young Willcoxson to the Twin Cities; it was the team. 

“I love what Coach Walby is doing up there,” he mentioned. “Not only is he developing kids and sending them to college, they are winning in the process.” 

Hard work does not go unnoticed, but there is still more to be done. Ben is eager to face this next challenge and adds, “I'm very excited to get up there, meet the guys, and get to work.”