Convicted ex-NHLer Danton wants to play for SMU

Mike Danton, after 5 1/2 years in prison, is back playing hockey - at Saint Mary's University

Mike Danton may be returning to hockey, lacing up his skates at the CIS level. Photo: Jenn Vargas

The bizarre life of Mike Danton is about to start another chapter - university life.

Saint Mary's University athletic director Steve Sarty said that all parole issues have been resolved and Danton is set to arrive at SMU "within days."

Danton, who has spent the past five-and-a-half years in prison for conspiracy to commit murder, was granted full parole in September.

Prior to the murder charge, Danton had a history of feuding with hockey teams.

He was traded multiple times while playing in the Ontario Hockey League and was suspended twice in three years after being drafted by the NHL's New Jersey Devils in 2000 - once for an entire season - because he wouldn't play for the team's minor league affiliate.

Two people played a constant in Danton's life; his father, Stephen Jefferson, and his former agent, David Frost.

Danton said he was abused by his father and eventually withdrew from his family. He changed his name from Jefferson to Danton in 2002.

He became close with Frost, who he first met in 1991, and considered Frost a mentor and father figure.

Some people close to Danton said Frost had too much influence and control over Danton.

At the time of Danton's arrest FBI said Frost was the target Danton wanted killed. Danton later said the intended target was his father.

As part of his parole Danton is to not contact his father at all and he is to avoid face-to-face contact with Frost, with the hopes that it will better enable him to reintegrate into society.

Not all about hockey

Because of Mike Danton’s status as a former NHL player and convicted felon, suiting up for the Huskies is the most high-profile aspect of his move to SMU.

But one of the main reasons Danton got out of jail is also why he’s at university – for an education.

According to documents from Danton's National Parole Board hearing on Sept. 11, he has stated that if he were unable to play pro hockey he would like to return to university and eventually work with abused children.

After taking correspondence courses through Queen’s University the board found Danton's goals legitimate enough to grant him full parole. The former NHL player will be lacing up his skates while taking three sociology courses at Saint Mary's.

Although he missed the beginning of this semester the board noted that he has an excellent work ethic and has matured enough in the past five years to continue on with his life.

Danton could arrive at Saint Mary’s next week where his hockey career – and education – can continue.

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