Mike Danton could be returning to hockey soon.
According to a source, St. Mary’s University is exploring the possibility of Danton joining their program. However, a number of hurdles still need to be resolved, including getting clearance from the National Parole Board.
The 29-year-old Danton pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder in a murder-for-hire plot for which his agent David Frost was the alleged target.
He was sentenced 7 1/2 years in prison; he served 5 1/2 before being released on parole last September.
In an exclusive interview with Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos in November, Danton said his target was his father, claiming he feared for his own life.
Danton is no stranger to Halifax. He played in the city during the 2000 Memorial Cup as a member of the OHL’s Barrie Colts. At the time he was known as Mike Jefferson and drew criticism for his conduct on and off the ice during the tournament.
After his junior career, he graduated to the minor pro leagues and played in short stints during the 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons with New Jersey Devils. It looked like he’d found a more secure NHL home after a trade to St. Louis, where he played 68 games in 2003-04.
But his legal problems began after that season and his NHL career came to a halt.
With files from THE CANADIAN PRESS
