Kason Muscutt is chasing a dream not many young people would pursue in warm-weather Louisiana. “My goal is to play pro hockey and make money out of doing what I love,” he stated with conviction. Kason first laced up his skates and took the ice when he was two. At three, he played in his first hockey game. The now 17-year-old junior at University View Academy admits he had an advantage. His father is from Canada and came to Louisiana in 1997 as a player and later the coach and general manager for the Shreveport Mudbugs, a pro hockey team.
Kason admits he couldn’t stalk his icy goal without University View Academy’s flexibility. He’s attended UVA since 6th grade. For the past two hockey seasons, he’s lived with his older brother in Dallas so he could play in an advanced league. His mom and dad remained in Shreveport. Kason said his UVA teachers were understanding and communication with them was vital. He always knew what his assignments were and could work ahead if necessary. “I have freedom to go and pursue this without having to worry about missing school,” Kason explained. He’s also used the flexibility UVA offers to help lighten the academic load for his upcoming senior year. Next year, Kason will have just three classes by previously scheduling AP and even senior-level courses. One will be a Dual Enrollment college course in English.
Kason is in the AAA level of hockey, or the top five percent of all players in the United States. He knows what it takes to reach that status. “I work hard. Every time I step on the ice, I give my best. If not, I take it personally.” His kind of talent draws interest. Kason said he plays in front of six or seven professional or Division 1 college scouts each weekend of games during the season. Playing as a pro is his dream but Kason said a college education is important too. “Playing hockey in Division 1, getting an education. I would consider a success,” he offered. Or he could play Junior Hockey, a springboard to the pros. Shreveport has a Junior Team that replaced the Mudbugs, and Kason was excited about it. “It would be a dream to play in Shreveport. I know all the people and the energy.”