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By Ben Tompkins

Mustangs' 20s

The SJHL’s leading scorer: Reilley Kotai player profile

May 17, 2025 | 3:25 PM

The Melfort Mustangs are in the final four of the Centennial Cup once again, which means their eight 2004-born players only have a maximum of two games left in their junior hockey careers.

The hope is that these last two days will be the best and most memorable times of their lives.

In the case of Reilley Kotai, he’s spent just one year in Melfort, however, it’s been one to remember, as he led the SJHL in both goals and points, and now hopes to help lead the Mustangs to their first National Championship in franchise history.

“I came to Melfort knowing that I was going to stay here the full year, and I wanted to win, that was the main goal, and I’ve been given an opportunity here, so I didn’t want to throw that away,” Kotai told northeastNOW.

“It’s been a very memorable season, and it started pretty much once my 19-year-old season ended. I needed to try and find a place to play and then make sure I really worked hard in the summer, and I did, and it carried through this year. It was a little bit of a slow start, but I was able to find a way and continue to respond. It was very important to me to make my last season memorable, I took it personally, and it’s ended up being a great year.”

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In 66 games back in Saskatchewan this season, Kotai netted 46 goals and produced 94 points.

He’s also enjoyed his time in Calgary so far, as despite missing a pair of games, he returned for the quarter finals, and has registered an additional four points in just three games at the Centennial Cup.

“I’m just excited about this opportunity, it’s great that my junior career keeps getting extended, and it’s been awesome to play some great teams who won it all in their leagues, and see that we match up,” added Kotai.

“This season has got to be number one in my books, for sure, coming from two previous years where I bounced around and our teams weren’t as great. This year, with this team, though, we just always found a way, and we always fought hard for each other. Melfort is just a great little town and hockey place, and the fans and this community were really supportive of all of us, which makes for a great time. My billets were unbelievable too, so I’m super thankful for them as well.”

The native of Abbotsford, B.C., Reilley has been able to accomplish what his older brother Josh did back in the 2022/23 season with the Battlefords North Stars. Win an SJHL championship and make it deep into the Centennial Cup, with the hopes now of going all the way.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8