Mustangs and Hawks reflect on experience at SJHL/MJHL Showcase in Regina

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Scouts attended from across North America from leagues including the NCAA, U Sports, and the NHL.

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As for local teams with representation, the Melfort Mustangs sent a total of nine players to the event, as well as their Head Coach Trevor Blevins. The Nipawin Hawks also sent Head Coach Doug Johnson along with eight of their players.

The Mustangs nine representatives at this year’s showcase was tied for the most among the SJHL along with the first-place Battlefords North Stars. Forward Kenzie Arnold said it was great to represent the club.

“When we have nine guys coming to the showcase, obviously it means a lot to our organization,” he said. “And it shows what we are in the league, and how high we are in the standings now.”

Arnold had one assist at the event for Team Kunitz. He was joined on that team by fellow forwards Kyle Bosch and Tian Rask, as well as defencemen Alex Rondeau and Nolan Kadachuk. Mustang goalie Shawn Parkinson was also part of that group.

Rask scored for Team Kunitz on day two, a goal assisted by Arnold and Kadachuk. Rondeau also added an assist at the event on day two. Rondeau praised those who put this year’s event on.

“It was so well organized by both leagues,” Rondeau said. “It was really professional, and they put a lot of effort in and it showed during the week. I loved it, great experience.”

With such a large contingent of Mustangs at the event, the three forwards were able to play on a line together, while Rondeau and Kadachuk were a defence pairing for both days, as they have been for most of the regular season.

“The best D-partner I’ve ever had in my career,” Rondeau said. “He just makes it so easy for me, I don’t even have to look and I know where he is.”

Between the pipes, Parkinson was tremendous for Team Kunitz in his lone appearance during the event. Parkinson played the second game and stopped 25 out of 29 shots he faced. Even though he allowed four goals, Parkinson made a few tremendous saves and kept things close for his SJHL squad.

The other three Mustangs at the event were on Team Schwartz. Forward Ben Tkachuk, defenceman Lucas Ochitwa, and goalie Tanner Martin all took part. Martin played the first game for Team Schwartz and stopped 29 of 34 shots he faced, and even added an assist. Ochitwa played in both games and went scoreless on the back end, but was solid defensively. Tkachuk had an excellent two days as he improved play on day one, but was unable to get on the scoresheet. However, on day two, the 2002-born forward made his presence felt as he scored twice, including the game winner and added an assist on his way to earning player of the game honours.

The Nipawin Hawks Carson Erhardt was a late addition to the showcase and was the lone Hawk representative on Team Kunitz. Erhardt went scoreless through two games.

Other Hawks at the event included forwards Jake Tremblay, Jordan Simoneau and Michael Makarenko, defencemen Jack Lenchyshyn, Max Johnson and goalie Ross Hawryluk who all played for Team Mitchell. Evan Bortis also suited up for Team Schwartz. Tremblay was the highest Hawk scorer at the event, tallying two goals and an assist. It was his third year at the event and he said he noticed some differences from players on the young team from the past two years to now.

“I think all the games have been fast,” Tremblay said. “Even from the younger team too, from past years, it was really fast too, but I think there’s a bigger age gap on these other teams, there’s more experience, and it’s more physical I think.”

Johnson was not able to get on the scoresheet during the event, but said it’s great to see so many Hawks there.

“It’s great to have so many guys here from our team,” he said. “I think we have a really skilled team and a pretty deep team as well.”

He said it’s a good chance to show the scouts in attendance what you can do.

“Just try and showcase your skills,” Johnson said. “It’s kind of a weekend for yourself, not your team, but obviously you want to play as well as you can.”

As for the rest of the Hawks, Bortis was able to score the opening goal for Team Schwartz on day two. Simoneau, playing with Tremblay notched a goal and an assist and was named player of the game on day two, while Michael Makarenko put up an assist for Team Mitchell.

Hawryluk was originally set to play for Team Schwartz at the event, but after one goalie was unable to attend, there were some musical chairs and the 2001-born goalie suited up with five of his teammates.

Team Mitchell was the only team where the goalies split time in both games. Hawryluk took the loss as the starter in Team Mitchell’s first game, stopping 13 of 15 shots he saw before giving way to Keenan Rancier of the Estevan Bruins. Then on day two, Hawryluk came in behind Rancier and stopped all 21 shots he faced as Team Mitchell fell 4-3.

With an event that sees players from all 12 SJHL teams, it gives a chance for players to play with, and be around players they might not know, or be rivals with. Tremblay said the event gives a chance to put some of those rivalries aside.

“It’s been nice to be able to meet guys, even if they’re your rivals in the regular season,” he said. “It’s nice to meet them off the ice, and you can be friends away from the regular season.”

There are also some previous connections with a lot of players in both leagues, whether they’ve played with each other in the SJHL, or other leagues, or knew them from their minor hockey days. For Arnold, he spent two years with the Hawks, winning an SJHL championship during the 2017/2018 season.

“I got to see those guys,” Arnold said. “I haven’t got to hang out with them very much so I got to see them. It was awesome, it was an awesome experience.”

The teams now take Thursday off before getting right back into the SJHL season on Friday. The Mustangs hit the road and take on the Battlefords North Stars, while the Hawks are in Flin Flon to battle the Bombers.

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With files from Martin Martinson (battlefordsNOW)

mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6