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By Mat Barrett

Ball Commits

Ball sticking in Saskatchewan for post-secondary hockey

May 13, 2019 | 3:33 PM

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s (SJHL) leading scorer and MVP has decided on his post-secondary future.

Melfort Mustang forward Justin Ball has committed to the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon to play hockey for the Huskies for the 2019/2020 season.

Ball said he did get some looks from the NCAA, but he’s proud to stay at home in what he called “a great fit.”

“I’m super proud to play for my hometown university,” Ball said. “And living at home is nice because I get to stick close to friends and family. I’m really excited, and looking forward to next year.”

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Ball tallied 54 goals in the regular season, becoming the first 50-goal scorer in the league since 2010/2011. On top of leading the league in goals, Ball’s 103 points were tops in the league as well, 14 points better than his teammate Carson Albrecht who finished second. His closest non-teammate was Nate Hooper of the Flin Flon Bombers who had 87 points. Ball said he was as surprised as anybody with his success this season.

“A year ago, if someone told me that I would make a commitment to the U of S,” Ball told northeastNOW. “I probably wouldn’t have believed them.”

He added he can’t take all the credit for the success he had this season.

“I just took it a game at a time,” Ball said. “I got to thank my linemates; I owe them everything. They were the best to play with and they contributed to my success.”

Ball called it one of the best years of his life playing hockey when it came to the teammates and the team success. He said he couldn’t really pick his favorite moment as a Mustang, but said this whole year would be it.

“Going to the finals was awesome,” he said. “I still remember when we won that Game 6 in Estevan. I’ve never been more excited with a group of guys before like that before, it was unreal.”

In that game on Sunday, April 7, Ball scored the eventual game-winning goal with just under four minutes to play to send Melfort to the finals where they fell to the Battlefords North Stars. Ball notched 23 points in 16 playoff games this season, leading the league.

Ball said his Head Coach Trevor Blevins played a huge part in his success as a Mustang, from bringing him in as a rookie and playing him in 48 of 58 games. He said the training wheels came off after that.

“The next couple years, he didn’t hold us back,” Ball said. “He let us go out there and do our own thing and be creative. That was so huge of him and he really developed me into the player I am now.”

In a release, Blevins said it was a pleasure to coach Ball.

“He’s been an unbelievable Mustang over the last three years, and we’re really happy for him,” Blevins said. “He’s been an honour to coach, and will be missed in our community and on our team.”

Ball ends his SJHL career playing in 156 regular season games, scoring 86 goals and adding 83 assists. His playoff career shows 11 goals and 18 assists in 21 career post-season contests.

As for the schooling he will take at the University of Saskatchewan, Ball said he’s thinking of studying business, but isn’t 100 per cent sure as of yet.

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6