Melfort Mustangs wrapping up their preseason play (Submitted photo/Mat Barrett, Melfort Mustangs)

By Ben Tompkins

Season Preview

Mustangs look for deeper playoff run after retaining substantial core

Sep 15, 2022 | 4:28 PM

The Melfort Mustangs will begin their 2022-23 season this Friday, on the road in Flin Flon, as they aim to defend their Sherwood Division title and much more.

The Mustangs recently wrapped up their four-game preseason, finishing with a 2-1-0-1 record.

When asked about their performance, head coach and general manager Trevor Blevins told northeastNOW they’re more focused on player development than the wins and loss column.

“We focus our preseason based on player evaluation, not necessarily where they are positioned on the ice, but more about individual skill and compete level. We are looking for players that can fit into our lineup, on a day-to-day basis.”

Melfort finished last season with the third-best record in the league, courtesy of a 34-15-4-5 record, which earned them 77 points.

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With captain Ben Tkachuk and top-goaltender Joel Favreau, set to return, Blevins is confident with his core group heading into the new season.

“We’re pretty excited about our core group coming back, specifically our 20-year-old group. You look back at last year, a lot of those players played key roles for us and we’re going to reap the benefits. A lot of our defence is back, as well, so it makes it a pretty good situation to set yourself up for success.”

While the organization did have significant success in last year’s regular season, it didn’t quite meet expectations in the playoffs.

Blevins explained while it was a disappointing opening-round, seven-game series loss to the Yorkton Terriers, it provided the returning players with a good experience for this year.

“I believe that this group is very focused and hungry, given how we finished off last year. I feel that the mentality should be to put our best effort in every night and give us an opportunity to win. We’re pretty excited about the personnel and start that we have and hopefully, we can get the result that we’re looking for.”

And of course with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, teams are constantly changing, as year-to-year turnover is a given.

Blevins has been busy at work this offseason, as he aimed to fill holes after a handful of players competed in their last eligible season of play.

“We’re really excited about this group and the new guys coming in, they’re gonna get thrown into the fire right away. A tough opponent in Flin Flon right away, so we’re interested to see where we’re at, come Friday night.”

The Mustangs will return to the Palace on Saturday night, against La Ronge, as it will mark their home-opener.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8