(Submitted photo/Melfort Mustangs, Broad Leaf Media)

By Ben Tompkins

Going for gold

Somers, Zielke make Team Canada West roster, ahead of World Junior A Challenge

Dec 8, 2022 | 11:26 AM

The Melfort Mustangs and the Humboldt Broncos are going to be without one of their best young players, for the next couple of weeks.

Thankfully, they are both gone for a great reason, as they head to Cornwall, Ont., after being named to Team Canada West for the World Junior A Challenge.

For the Mustangs, hometown boy Zac Somers is the first ‘Stang to represent at this tournament since defenceman Tommy Brown made it in 2008-09.

“It’s a dream come true to make this team,” Somers said. “Every kid dreams about wearing the maple leaf on his chest and this is truly something special. To represent your country at this stage is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I’m truly thankful.”

Through 25 SJHL games this season, Somers has 17 goals, and 13 assists, good for 30 points. He’s 10th in the league in points, and fourth in goals.

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Prior to his departure to camp, Somers had scored in seven straight games, notching a total of 11 goals in that time.

“Our organization is extremely proud of Zac,” said Mustangs head coach and general manager Trevor Blevins. “He has been fully committed and has worked hard for this opportunity, and he deserves it. We wish Zac and Team Canada West success in the tournament.”

For the Broncos, Calgary’s Ethan Zielke is the only other SJHL player to make the team, after Battlefords North Stars’ Holden Doell and Flin Flon Bombers’ Jérémi Tremblay failed to make the cut.

Zielke, the new Humboldt captain, has 21 points in 19 games, so far this season.

(File photo/northeastNOW staff)

As for the coaching staff, Humboldt-born and raised Brayden Klimosko will join the pair as an assistant coach, representing the Battlefords North Stars (Head Coach of their team).

(File photo/battlefordsNOW)

Camp occurred Dec. 5-7, as the team now gets set to open their tournament on Sunday, Dec. 11 at Noon, when they take on Team Latvia.

You can find the entire WJAC schedule on the Hockey Canada website.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8