(Photo courtesy/Broad Leaf Media, Facebook)

By Ben Tompkins

AP Night

Mustangs finishing regular season in La Ronge against Ice Wolves

Mar 16, 2024 | 10:00 AM

The Melfort Mustangs travel to La Ronge on Saturday afternoon, as they’re set to take on the Ice Wolves for the sixth and final time this year.

The contest will mark the final day of the regular season in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League as playoffs are now less than a week away.

Melfort will be playing with five affiliate players, as a win or a loss won’t affect the league’s standings.

“It should be really fun,” explained Mustang d-man, Nolan Henderson. “I think those guys will be ready to go and it’s always nice to see new faces because you know they’re going to be ready to play, so it should be some fun.”

Trey Markus, Owen Nelson, Lincoln Rogers, Scott McLean, and Tao Flory will suit up for the Blue and Green, but not for the first time.

Award winner

Melfort Senior Public Health Inspector receives recognition

7h ago

Preliminary hearings set

Preliminary hearing dates set for two local murder cases

8h ago

BDO Debt Solutions

Addressing the Rising Cost of Living in Saskatchewan: A Guide for Residents Facing Financial Pressure

8h ago

Of the five, however, only Flory has recorded his first career SJHL point, which means Saturday has the opportunities for plenty of milestones.

Another great reason to get so many young guys in is because it means some rest for some of the club’s top dogs.

Guys like James Venne, Leith Olafson, Aidyn Hutchinson, Clay Sleeva, Chase Friedt-Mohr, Ryan Duguay and Zac Somers, provided everything goes according to plan, will get to rest.

Especially considering the magnitude of the games lately and the injuries/shorthanded lineups the group has played with, it’s a nice thing to hear right before the postseason.

“It’s a big deal for sure, they’ve been our workhorses lately and they’ve been playing really well, so it’s good to give those guys a rest and not risk them getting an injury in the last game,” Henderson added.

The Stangs will be entering La Ronge with a nine-game win streak, which was extended this past Saturday against the Ice Wolves, in which Melfort clinched second place.

While today’s points don’t necessarily matter in the grand scheme of things, the Mustangs’ goal remains the same for the players in the lineup.

“I think it means a ton to us, we’ve been on a roll lately and I think it’s good to try and keep that going into the playoffs and keep the confidence high,” Henderson told northeastNOW.

The 2003-born Calgary native also has a little extra to play today because it’s his twin brother Max’s last game as a Junior A hockey player, as the two get to battle one last time.

Puck drop is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Mel Hegland Uniplex, with the Suncrest College pregame show beginning at 1:45 p.m. on CJVR.

–

Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8