By Mat Barrett

Mustangs duo tops SJHL scoring race, and Players of the Week

Dec 18, 2018 | 7:00 AM

The Melfort Mustangs had a pair of big weekend wins as they head into their Christmas break, and two of their players have been named again in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Players of the Week.

Justin Ball was named Player of the Week for a third time this season, while his linemate Carson Albrecht was named the runner up for the award. The Mustangs played three games from Dec. 10 to 17, going 2-0-1-0. Most recently defeating the Humboldt Broncos over the weekend. Through the three games, Ball tallied seven goals to go along with three assists, while Albrecht has three goals to go along with nine assists in those games against Yorkton, and then Humboldt. Head Coach and General Manager Trevor Blevins said the success is well deserved.

“They’re very hard working players, responsible,” Blevins told northeastNOW. “You just can’t say enough about what they bring on and off the ice as far as their commitment… and it’s great to see them getting rewarded for their work.”

Ball has a 31-game point streak heading into the team’s final two games before the break, and also has 20 goals in a 13-game goal scoring streak. He also leads the SJHL in goals (37 in 33 games), and points with 62. Albrecht isn’t far behind Ball, as he is second in the league in scoring with 55 points. He is fourth in the league in goals (25), third in assists (30), and he also leads the league in powerplay goals with 12. Blevins said their success has raised eyebrows in the United States when it comes to post-secondary schools.

“They’re obviously getting some recognition too south of the border which is outstanding.” Blevins said. “And will hopefully be able to set themselves up, not only for the rest of the season, but for their futures down the road with education and hockey.”

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It’s the third time Ball has been named the Player of the Week. He was also named Player of the Month for November, and was runner up for the award in September and October. Albrecht was runner up for Player of the Week one other time. Blevins said the duo gets a lot of recognition, but it takes more than just them to have success.

“It takes a team effort to have the success we’re having,” Blevins said. “And you can’t forget everyone else either, and they’d be the first to say it.”

Heading into the final weekend before Christmas, the Mustangs are 23-8-2-0. That’s good for second in the Sherwood division, just two points behind their rival Nipawin Hawks. Melfort was also the 16th ranked team in this week’s Canadian Junior Hockey League Top 20. The Hawks were one back at 17th.

Fans will get an early Christmas present before the holidays as the Mustangs and Hawks will battle on Dec. 21 and 22 in a home and home. Friday’s game will be in Melfort, while the teams will be in Nipawin on Saturday.