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Seven Mustangs selected to represent team in SJHL/MJHL Showcase

Jan 14, 2019 | 8:30 AM

The second-annual Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League/ Manitoba Junior Hockey League combined showcase officially gets underway today.

Featuring 60 of the top college-eligible Junior A players from each of the two provinces, the leagues will meet in Regina for a clash at the Co-operators Centre, with scouts from various schools in attendance.

Representatives from each of the two leagues will be split into two veteran teams and one all-rookie roster for the event.

The SJHL’s Team Mitchell and Team Kunitz will face off with the MJHL’s Team Zajac and Team Belfour in the main events, featuring the leagues’ elder statesmen, with players born in 1998 and ‘99. The rookie showdown will pit Saskatchewan’s Team Schwartz against Manitoba’s Team Garbutt with rosters made up of first-year players born between 2000 and 2002.

Boasting the two top scorers in the Saskatchewan league in Justin Ball and Carson Albrecht, as well as the league-leader in rearguard production in Kayle Tosh, it’s perhaps no surprise the Melfort Mustangs will have five players chosen to represent their club on the SJHL’s Team Mitchell. Parker Fofonoff and Zack Smith will represent the Mustang’s on Team Schwartz.

In addition to the previous three names mentioned, the Mustangs will also see forward Tanner Zentner and goaltender Shawn Parkinson suit up for Team Mitchell, run by a familiar face behind the bench as well, in Mustangs head coach Trevor Blevins.

For veteran forward Tanner Zentner, the Showcase will present an opportunity to get to know some of the players on opposing teams a bit better outside of their on-ice personas and away from the rink.

“This is my third year here (in the SJHL) so I’ve gotten used to, and know, lots of the guys on the ice, but it’ll be nice to get to interact with them off the ice as well,” Zentner said.

As far as in-game, the 20-year-old said he expects a thoroughly entertaining game for both fans and players alike.

“It’s always going to be really good competition-wise,” he said. “It will be high-pace and high-skill, so it’ll be a challenge, but it’ll be awesome, I’m really looking forward to it.”

Another player seemingly chomping at the bit to get underway is Justin Ball, who is currently enjoying a season for the ages.

Ball not only leads his team but paces the league as a whole in production, with 42 goals and 71 points in just 40 games played. The third-year veteran has already torched his previous career high of 48 points set last year.

“It’s awesome,” Ball said of being selected for the showcase. “I think it’s really good for the organization, really good for players as individuals and I think it’s really fun too, it’s an awesome weekend.”

Ball’s running mate Carson Albrecht is also having the campaign to remember, with  61 points just 38 games into the schedule.

Asked if he anticipates any ribbing amongst foes-turned teammates on the Team Mitchell bench, Albrecht said he wouldn’t be surprised, but that it will be all in good fun.

“I think there might be a little bit, but obviously it’ll be more friendly,” he said. Getting close with the guys is what really matters.”

Team Mitchell will play their first game at 2 p.m. this afternoon.

 

A look at the schedule for the first day of the showcase:

Game 1: 11 a.m. – Team Schwartz vs Team Garbutt (*Rookie game)

Game 2: 2 p.m. – Team Mitchell vs. Team Zajac

Game 3: 5 p.m. – Team Belfour vs. Team Kunitz

 

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1