In a matter of days, former Rhino forward Drake Cartwright will start classes and practices at the University of Central Oklahoma. Following teammate Simon Hobbis’ signing, Cartwright will become the third Rhino to play for UCO. Former Rhino captain and native El Pasoan Michael Rivera continued his collegiate hockey at Central Oklahoma and was named the ACHA Tournament in MVP in 2015. One of the best ACHA Division I programs in the country, the Bronchos have been the Western Collegiate Hockey League champions for two consecutive years, and recently won the 2017 ACHA Division I championship in March.

As a Broncho, Cartwright intends to remain a consistent, reliable forward. He explains, “I’d like to be a productive player who contributes to the team in any way possible.” And he did just that last season, posting 42 points in 50 games. The Rhinos’ Assistant Captain was also ranked amongst the team’s top five game winning goal scorers.

Cartwright, a business and finance major who hopes to work on Wall Street one day, has a very specific classroom goal: maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. This goal will not come without a challenge, however. “After not being in school for the past two years and strictly focusing on hockey, going back [to school] might take time to adjust to.” Fortunately, Cartwright knows he is ready for his next endeavor, in part, because of his time in the Sun City. “Playing for the Rhinos has prepared me for not only hockey but has helped with time management and discipline. In El Paso, I was taught how to balance games, practices, community service and personal time and I will definitely apply these skills here at UCO.”

The Rhinos would like to congratulate Drake and thank him for his hard work during his time in Rhino Country. We wish him and the whole Bronchos team the best of luck during the upcoming season!