The Wildcats have added yet another forward for the second semester, this time with the addition of 200-foot forward, Jaxon Mase.

Mase, standing at 6’0” 185-pounds, comes from Sparta, NJ as a transfer from SUNY-Cortland (NCAA DIII). He originally committed to Stevenson University (NCAA DIII), where he spent his Freshman year. Prior to college he spent his junior career with the Boston Jr. Bandits (NCDC) and the Philadelphia Hockey Club (NCDC), where he served as team captain and was selected to play in the NCDC All-Star team after tallying 30 (13 goals and 17 assists) points in 38 games.

“I chose the University of Arizona because of the business program, hockey and location,” said Jaxon Mase. “I m really looking forward to getting started.”

Mase brings a 200-foot game and versatility that makes him a very valuable piece for coach Berman and the Wildcats heading down the stretch.

“Mase plays a very honest game,” said coach Berman. “He isn’t going to cheat an inch and I love his versatility and team-first approach. We can use him in the middle or on the wing, which gives us some flexibility to find the best chemistry possible for all four lines. We needed more guys who were heavy on the forecheck and could win puck battles. I also think he has a lot of offensive upside with the right opportunity and some earned confidence. Maybe more importantly, he brings added character and leadership that will fit right into our culture. You just can’t have enough guys like that in your room, so we are excited to see how he can help us.”

Jaxon Mase is the third NCAA DIII transfer player joining the Wildcats for the second semester. The others were Defenseman, Nicholas Chiocca and Sam Myers, who score the game winning goal this past weekend in overtime to seal the victory over Missouri State University. Adding this many impact pieces at once can be a challenge for a team to get on the same page, but it’s a challenge coach Berman seems to relish.

“Anytime you add this many impact pieces in a short period of time there are going to be growing pains,” said coach Berman. “In a lot of ways, it can initially feel like taking a step back in an effort to take two or three steps forward. Depth and talent matter if we are going to take steps necessary to becoming a top-5 caliber program – something we have internally set as a ‘next step’ goal. I think each one of these guys brings us something we need to take those necessary steps. We have a young group that will grow together for the next couple of seasons, adding these guys now hopefully expedites that process of that growth.”

The Wildcats are on the road the next two Wednesdays, taking on Arizona State February 1st at Mullett Arena and February 8th at Oceanside arena. After that the Wildcats head to Las Vegas for a conference battle with UNLV before returning home to play Arizona State February 24th and 25th.

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