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By Ben Tompkins

Underdog Now?

Mustangs start playoff journey in North Battleford

Mar 20, 2026 | 2:57 PM

The Melfort Mustangs will begin their 2026 SJHL Playoffs in North Battleford tonight (Friday) as they take on the North Stars.

Melfort has to begin on the road, as they are the lower of the two seeds.

“It’s obviously a bit different for us being the lower seed and having to start on the road, but honestly, it’s still the same approach we’ve had for the last two years. We’re gonna go in there and try to own them, and show them who the two-time defending champions are. We know it’s gonna be a good match between the two teams, so it’s gonna be very exciting,” said defenceman Cole Unger.

“Our mentality and confidence of being that team with the target on our backs is definitely right back, especially after our hot stretch these last two months. We know we’re right in the mix again, and we’re ready to go all the way.

For Unger in particular, he missed a large portion of the ups and downs on the ice, as he dealt with an injury that kept him out long-term.

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With his recent return, the playoffs have been something he’s been waiting for and looking forward to, just like the rest of the team, as they’re not taking anything for granted.

“I’m ready to get going, been excited for this for a while, hoping to get back in the lineup, and finally, I’ve been able to, so it’s gonna be fun,” Unger added. “If we want to win, we have to be heavy and get the forecheck going, and just run them down. From there, hopefully everything else comes easier.”

The last time these squads met in the postseason was 2023, when Battlefords earned the second-round sweep en route to a league title and national silver medal.

Puck drop from North Battleford is set for 7:30 p.m., with the pregame show beginning around 7:10 p.m. on 105CJVR and CJVR.com

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8