Fresh Off First Pro Seasons, Sasha Pastujov, Tyson Hinds Ready for the Next Step

Sep 13, 2024

By Nick Aguilera/SanDiegoGulls.com 

It was a turbulent first professional season for Ducks prospects Sasha Pastujov and Tyson Hinds during the 2023-24 American Hockey League season. Between injuries, inconsistent play, and first-year jitters, the two rode the rollercoaster that was their rookie seasons in San Diego.  

Now in their sophomore campaigns coming into the 2024 Rookie Faceoff in Los Angeles, an annual preseason tournament that the two 2021 NHL Draft picks have skated in twice before, both Hinds and Pastujov are on a mission to showcase that they’re ready for what’s next. 

"Last year, you didn’t know," Hinds said. "First pro year, it’s all overwhelming and there’s so much going on… [I have] more confidence for this year, and less stress. I know what I can bring to camp and [I’m] ready to work hard." 

"I’m a more complete version of myself than I was last year," Pastujov added. "I just want to show the growth I’ve made and the steps I’ve made on and off the ice, whether it’s getting faster, getting stronger or scoring more goals." 

The annual Rookie Faceoff tournament will give them a chance to showcase their growth against prospects from different organizations, including the Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Seattle Kraken, Utah Hockey Club and Vegas Golden Knights. 

The Rookie Faceoff will also see Gulls coaches back behind the bench for the first time since April, including head coach Matt McIlvane. Despite only being on ice for a day, McIlvane can already tell he’s getting a better version of the two players he saw plenty of last season. 

"Anytime you’re back at something for the second try, the faces aren’t new, the expectations aren’t new and you’re so much more comfortable, and I really saw that today from Sasha and Tyson," McIlvane said. "They’re two guys who love to wear a smile, and they seemed to be wearing it every time I was looking today. Those two are guys I’d expect to take some leadership in this type of tournament, and they certainly will."

That leadership will certainly carry over to San Diego, as another slew of rookies are projected to make the Gulls roster come October, many of whom are participating in the weekend tourney. 

"I was in the first-year guys’ shoes, too," Pastujov said. "The leaders at the time definitely helped me, so I’m just trying to do the same and make them feel comfortable and as ready to go for this rookie tournament and training camp as possible."