Former NHL player Mike Danton arrived in Halifax on Wednesday to begin studies at Saint Mary's University and play hockey with the varsity team.

Steve Sarty, director of athletics and recreation at Saint Mary's, said Danton, 29, is set to begin classes in sociology and psychology at Saint Mary's University on Thursday.

In 2004, Danton pleaded guilty in the United States in a failed murder-for-hire plot that was alleged to have targeted his former minor hockey coach. He was sentenced to 7½ years in prison and was transferred to a Canadian penitentiary in 2009.

He was released on full parole in September.

On Monday, Sarty said the Huskies' coach and team captain had both spoken with Danton, and all the players signed a letter saying they want the former NHLer to be part of the team.

CBC News obtained documents from the National Parole Board of Canada explaining why Danton was granted parole.

The document said that Danton has been in therapy, and he's also been taking part in a substance abuse program. On top of that, he took correspondence courses from Queen's University in Kingston, Ont.

Danton told the board that if he can't return to playing professional hockey, he would like to work with abused children.

In its decision to release Danton, the parole board said they found him to be a low-risk to re-offend.

"If you were not mentally healthy at that time in 2004, there is evidence that this is no longer the case. You are considered to be a very low risk for any type of re-offending," it said.

"We also believe that you are well aware of the triggers that could cause you to have problems, and believe that you are prepared to discuss these if they arise, both with your parole supervisor and with your therapist."

Danton will report to a new parole officer in Halifax, and has been ordered not to possess either drugs or alcohol, and to continue his counselling.