Former Capital moves on to USHL

Gladstone's own Carson Buydens is spending this season south of the border.

The 2021-22 Manitoba Junior Hockey League's Rookie of the Year award winner has moved on to the USHL's Cedar Rapids Roughriders for this upcoming season. With three games under his belt, Buydens says he hasn't had a ton of experience against the competition yet, but he talks about what he's noticed so far.

"The USHL is a big step up and is an incredible league," says Buydens. "Everyone is a really good player in this league. There's a lot of adjustments to be made like making quicker plays with the puck, getting to areas faster, and just things that need to be done at higher levels, which the USHL is."

Buydens committed to Princeton University in Division 1 of the NCAA last season and notes that was a big reason for the switch.

"The USHL is the best league to go to before you play college hockey. I thought it was the best decision for me to get better as much as possible. It's the best league in the United States for junior hockey, and this is where I thought I could improve the most."

The 18-year-old found the back of the net 27 times, dished out 26 assists, and was just one point away from being a point-per-game player last season with the Virden Oil Capitals. While he was named the MJHL Rookie of the Year last season, he says he hasn't let that get to his head too much.

"That award was cool to win and all but it doesn't change the way I'm going to play or anything. It's a nice recognition but it doesn't affect my game or anything," Buydens continues. "I'm still going to play as hard as I can every night, like the way I did in Virden, just at the next level."

Buydens adds confidence is going to be the biggest key for him when it comes to transferring his level of play from last season to Cedar Rapids. The forward adds he has enjoyed living in a new area.

"It's been a little bit of an adjustment but I feel right at home here. My billet parents are awesome. I hang out with my teammates every day, they're incredible. I feel right at home here in Cedar Rapids."

Prior to becoming one of the best offensive players in the MJHL last season, Buydens was a member of the Central Plains Capitals program. He describes the most important thing he learned while he was with the organization.

"Just knowing the importance of giving it your all every night and to not leave anything out there because you never know when it'll be your last game."