It was just last season when Andrew Clark scored 40 goals for the Brandon Wheat Kings. Now, he is playing university hockey and couldn’t be happier with where he’s at with his hockey career.

Clark, 21, a Brandon product, is in the midst of his first season with the Acadia Axemen in the CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport) and when he’s not on the ice, he’s studying kinesiology.

“Right now, school is important to me,” said Clark. “The hockey here is going great. I'm having a blast out here.”

Clark signed a training camp contract with the National Hockey League’s St. Louis Blues a couple of years ago with the hopes of maybe lacing up his skates professionally one day. Although that has not happened as of yet, Clark decided to pursue the university route to further his education and felt Acadia University was the right fit for him.

Although the forward received offers from various Canadian universities, including Manitoba and Calgary, he opted for Acadia because it was an opportunity for him to experience living in a different part of the country – Nova Scotia.

“I wanted to see a different part of Canada while I had the chance and the situation out here fit best for me,” said Clark.

The Acadia men’s hockey team is currently ranked No. 4 in Canada and finished off the first half of the regular season with a nine-game winning streak. With the CIS playoffs looming, Clark’s team has an opportunity to win a national championship. Clark sits third on the team in scoring (as of Feb. 9) and says although it took a bit of time getting used to the pace of university hockey, he’s now much more comfortable on the ice.

“In the second half of the season, I have been playing a lot better and I am looking forward to a good playoff run,” said Clark.

Clark says he regularly checks in with some of his former Wheat Kings teammates and hopes to attend the Memorial Cup to root for his hometown team.

“I send the boys the odd text message telling them to get going or just to see how they’re doing. They better win it all,” said Clark with a grin.