The Perth-born Canadian-based student is ‘living the dream’, dividing his time between the two countries studying and playing the sport he loves after being given a chance opportunity when two teammates left.
‘It’s a long story because I was born in Perth, then moved to Margaret River when I was about two before moving to Montreal when I was 12, and I only started playing then,’ Haselhurst said.
‘When I finished school earlier this year I decided to come back to Perth.
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READ NOW‘I started practising with the team and played one game for a couple of minutes, and then when the imports left they gave me a chance and actually saw that I could play.’
Haselhurst said having been given the chance to prove himself, he was determined to give it his all but was surprised by his sudden new-found fame.
‘Everyone is telling me there’s a whole ‘mo’ thing going on but the truth is I’ve only been able to grow it over the last few months and I’ve been too lazy to shave,’ he said.
‘When I played my first game I actually played with a beard, so when they gave me another game I thought it would be funny to have a moustache and a few people noticed it.
‘I think because I’m new and didn’t have my name on my jumper or the score sheet no one knew who I was they just started calling me ‘the Mo’ and hey, if it gives them something to cheer about then I’m keeping it.’
Haselhurst said he hoped his form in the rink would lead to becoming a permanent fixture in the side and despite heading back to Vermont to continue his studies later this year, he would be back. ‘I love playing with this team and in front of a really good crowd. It’s actually better than what I’ve been playing in front of in Canada because no one really cares unless it’s the National Hockey League,’ he said. ‘After each game I make an effort to go over and sign some autographs and meet the fans because they’re all enthusiastic and it’s only 10 minutes of my time. If it makes them appreciate hockey more then that’s great. ‘This whole thing has been such a great experience and for a 20-year-old it’s all so surreal.’