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By Ben Tompkins

Next Step

Mustangs’ Coombs commits to NCAA Division One

May 21, 2025 | 9:07 AM

Melfort Mustangs netminder, Kristian Coombs, has now played his last game in a blue and green uniform.

Despite one year left of Junior A eligibility, Coombs has decided to begin the next step of his career a little earlier.

The newly committed University of New Hampshire Wildcat will start his NCAA Division I journey at the beginning of the coming season.

“They offered me the 2025/26 commitment, so it was a good idea to say yes, and they’re obviously putting a lot of faith in me coming in a year early, so I’m excited to see what happens,” Coombs told northeastNOW.

“I’m super excited to be going, with it being for next year. I’m sad I won’t be able to play out my last year in Melfort, I loved it here, but I’m excited to get started at a new opportunity.”

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Prior to this season with the Mustangs, Coombs was a backup in his first year with the team, playing behind stalwart James Venne.

Unfortunately, that meant there wasn’t a ton of opportunity to be between the pipes in year one, but he made the most of it.

When Venne then departed for the BCHL last offseason, Coombs was thrust into the starting role for the defending champions and immediately hit the ground running.

“A year is a long time in hockey, so lots of things can change quite a bit. Obviously, it was a great change for me to be put into that starting role. Personally, I really had a great year, and I enjoyed every second of it. Going from being a backup to a starter was obviously difficult, but I had a lot of self-belief that I was able to do it, and it turned out great,” he added.

“I think the success this year was just about getting more opportunity, last year I didn’t play a whole lot, and when I did play, it was long gaps between games, so it was hard to find a rhythm. This year, though, I found a groove early and I stuck to it, and it worked out well.”

Coombs was an SJHL Goalie of the Year finalist this season after helping lead Melfort to a franchise record in wins.

His 26-6-1 record, 2.01 goals-against-average, .926 save-percentage and four shutouts in 34 regular season games were quite impressive this year, but the Calgary, Alta. native stepped it up even further in the playoffs.

Coombs went 10-1-1 in 12 postseason contests, producing a 1.33 goals-against-average, .942 save-percentage, and another four shutouts.

In just the SJHL Finals alone, against the Weyburn Red Wings, Coombs stopped 103 of the 106 shots that came his way, posting three shutouts in the five-game series win.

“This past season, Coombs was nothing short of outstanding,” read the Mustangs’ commitment article. “His work ethic and commitment to the team are second to none, so the University of New Hampshire is gaining not just a talented netminder but a player who brings professionalism and drive to every aspect of the game. Our entire organization congratulates him and wishes him the very best in his NCAA career.”

Not only did Coombs help lead Melfort to defend their SJHL Title, but the team did very well at the Centennial Cup.

Coombs had four of the club’s five wins at the tournament, including quarterfinal and semifinal victories over the Greater Sudbury Cubs and Trenton Golden Hawks.

In six games, the now two-time National Silver medalist had a 2.83 goals-against-average and an .898 save-percentage.

“I’ve had a great time in Melfort, and I can’t thank the coaching staff enough. They’ve been great to me, and I have nothing but positive things to say. It’s been great here, I’ve had a great two years here, and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. Couldn’t be happier with how the past two years have gone,” Coombs continued.

“The University of New Hampshire is a great program with a great school, and I’ll be taking business there. The conference is Hockey East, so I’m super excited to be going there, and they reached out to me as well in this whole situation, so that was great as well.”

Coombs will spend his final week in the northeast these next few days, as the team will host a free barbecue on Wednesday evening.

There may also be a celebratory banquet later on this week to further acknowledge the group’s accomplishments.

“My junior hockey career did feel really short, especially since I won’t be playing my last year, but it’s been a great ride, and getting back-to-back National Championship appearances was a crazy thing. I think I read somewhere that it’s only been done once before, and obviously you’d rather win one, but it’s nothing to be ashamed about or have any bad feelings towards. I think it’s something to be proud of, and a memory that I’ll look back on,” he said.

“There will definitely be a lot of change in my jump to the NCAA, and in my first year there will be a lot of learning and growing as a player, but I think the SJHL has prepared me well for that, and the style of hockey that is played here I think will translate well.”

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

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