All the Mustangs players accepting their year-end gifts (photo courtesy/Melfort Mustangs)

By Ben Tompkins

All good things must come to an end

Mustangs wrap up 2023/24 season with championship banquet

May 25, 2024 | 9:34 PM

The Melfort Mustangs 2023/2024 season has officially come to an end.

The entire organization and its players were celebrated one last time Friday night, following a year for the history books.

“Looking back when you start the year, obviously you want to be in the mix and have a chance at a championship. We always thought we would be a top-four team, but I think everybody understands that this group exceeded expectations and really did more than what was called for,” explained head coach, Trevor Blevins.

“I’m super proud of what they’ve accomplished, they’re a special group. We talked about character tonight and I think when you combine that with the talent that we had, it was just a phenomenal group that ended up getting it done and winning the SJHL championship.”

Captain Leith Olafson (left) and assistant captain Chase Friedt-Mohr (right) presented head coach Trevor Blevins (middle right) and assistant coach Tye Scherger (middle left) with signed SJHL Championship canvases as a year-end gift (photo courtesy/Melfort Mustangs)

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Not only did the team win their first league title since 2016, but they also tied their best finish in club history, grabbing a national silver medal.

A nine-month-long season led the Mustangs to the very last Junior A game of the year, as next season is now already just three months away.

“When we talked in the exit meetings, it was crazy to think about next season being three months away. We’re gonna be pretty strong again next year and we got guys with a lot of great experience, but the banquet is about right now and enjoying one last time with these guys,” Blevins added.

“Everyone’s going their separate ways on Saturday, which is kind of sad because you don’t want it to be over, but sometimes you have to say the cliche where all good things must come to an end. This one will be remembered for a long time because this is a pretty special group in Melfort Mustangs’ history.”

The championship banquet did provide a great place for a farewell, as at least nine members of the championship team are guaranteed not to be back next season.

All of the 20-year-olds got one last chance to say goodbye to each other and the community they called home for their very best year of hockey.

All nine 20-year-olds at the awards banquet earlier in the year (Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

“It’s special and I’m so glad the organization put this together. The barbecue on Wednesday was awesome for people to show up and get pictures with the cup and see the team, and to have 1000 people there was amazing,” Blevins concluded.

“Then tonight with the support too, it was just great for everyone to get together with parents, billets, and fans, just to have a night of enjoyment and celebrate each of the players individually, but also as a team.”

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8