(Photo courtesy/Broad Leaf Media, Facebook)

By Ben Tompkins

SJHL Schedule Release

Mustangs begin title defence in La Ronge, host Bombers for finals rematch home opener

Jul 2, 2024 | 2:41 PM

The 2024-25 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League schedule has been released. The regular season will begin on Friday, Sept. 20 with 10 of the 12 teams doing battle.

The Melfort Mustangs will start their title defence on the road, as they’re set to take on the La Ronge Ice Wolves.

They will then come home for a heavyweight tilt on Saturday, Sept. 21, as they welcome the Flin Flon Bombers for a finals rematch.

Their home opener will feature a banner raising, along with championship rings presented to members of the 2023/24 team.

“I know it’s a little bit of a tough start to be on the road Friday night, but we like our group that’s coming back and we’re pretty confident in our mental game and how we prepare for each night. I think we’re really focused on hitting the ground running, right from camp and exhibition into the regular season, and continuing where we left off,” head coach Trevor Blevins explained.

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“I think our home opener will be an exciting night and great for the fans, especially with that atmosphere. You know Flin Flon is gonna be ready to go and seeking some redemption, so this is a great test for us to start the season. It’s going to get heated up right away with two divisional rivals.”

This year will feature more divisional games than last, as rivalry contests have been increased from six games a year to eight.

Blevins told northeastNOW such increased matchups are good both financially and for level of excitement.

Melfort will play 31 of their 56 games before Christmas, 17 of which will be on the road. Their schedule will then end with six of their last nine games being at home.

“I like our schedule,” Blevins added. “It’s well balanced and we have a solid amount of home games after Christmas.”

The Mustangs will end their regular season in Notre Dame against the Hounds on Sunday, March 16.

This time around, their Christmas break will also be shorter, as they will only have 12 days between games, rather than the 19 days they had last year.

“I think just the way Christmas fell this year it made sense,” concluded Blevins.

Parent-billet weekend is scheduled for Nov. 15 and 16 against the Nipawin Hawks and Notre Dame Hounds.

The Stang’s year-end awards banquet will then fall on Saturday, March 8, splitting a pair of games against the Nipawin Hawks and La Ronge Ice Wolves.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8