Owen Nelson suits up for the Mustangs in a home contest against the Estevan Bruins on Dec. 6, 2023 (photo courtesy/Broad Leaf Media, Facebook)

By Ben Tompkins

National Aboriginal Hockey Championships

Mustangs prospects in the running to make national team

Jan 11, 2024 | 6:29 PM

A Melfort Mustangs prospect duo is as close as can be to representing both their province and culture, on one of Canada’s biggest stages.

Current Prince Albert Mintos, Owen Nelson and Josh Henry have made the final cuts for Team Saskatchewan and the 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.

Now, as the final invitees for the male team, only one tryout stands between them and a wonderful opportunity.

“I was just excited to make that final cut, a lot of buddies of mine were on the team last year, so I’ll just try my best to push my way through and make that team,” Nelson told northeastNOW.

“It’d be awesome to play in, I’ve heard it’s a great tournament with a lot of great hockey. The guys that played last year had a lot of fun, so I’m looking forward to it, if I can make the team.”

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Both Nelson and Henry are natives of Prince Albert and part of the Metis culture.

The two were also invited to Mustangs training camp and have been affiliate players for the club on multiple occasions this season.

“I’ve been playing hockey with him (Josh) for most of my life and he’s only said good things about what it was like last year, so I’m excited for that. We always just push each other in practice, whether it’s through making more saves or scoring more goals, it’s great to have him along the way here,” Nelson added.

“I think this tournament, playing some pretty big and physical hockey, will help me adapt into junior. I think my time with Melfort and those couple of games I played with them has helped me prepare for that kind of higher level.”

Nelson with the Prince Albert Mintos, earlier this season (submitted photo/Owen Nelson)

For Henry, he’s coming into the final tryouts, which are scheduled for late February in Saskatoon, with some experience.

Having played in the event last year, claiming a bronze medal in Winnipeg, the netminder is confident in his abilities to do the same again this year.

“I think confidence is high because I played last year but saying that, you can’t get too confident because you still have to show up and play well because spots aren’t always guaranteed,” he explained. “Obviously looking to push for first of course, but just trying to get a medal this year.”

Henry with Team Saskatchewan last year (submitted photo/Josh Henry, Athletes Image Sports Photography)

With the games still so far away, as they don’t take place until May in Grand Prairie, Alta. the two are just focused on the day-to-day.

Ultimately, for the two 16-year-olds, however, the chance to wear the Team Sask crest on the jersey in a tournament which shines a light on their Metis culture, isn’t something they take lightly.

“Obviously take a lot of pride if you get to go there and play for your culture, you want to play well and I think it’s a very serious tournament,” said Henry.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8