The Melfort Mustangs dropped their Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League wild card playoff round three games to one to the Notre Dame Hounds, and with it came the end of their season.
The Mustangs missed their chance at a third Canalta Cup with a 21-30-3-4 record, good enough for tenth in the SJHL.
“We felt that every player grew as a person and grew on the ice, too, and improved. That’s what’s most important,” said Trevor Blevins, the Mustangs’ head coach.
It was a battle down the stretch for the Mustangs as a slow second half, which saw the Mustangs go 6-15-2-0, forced them into a win or go home scenario on the final day of the regular season as they had the Melville Millionaires breathing down their neck.
The tough record after the Christmas break could be traced to tough scheduling, noted Blevins, who pointed to eight games against Nipawin, three against Flin Flon and two more against Battlefords.
“We fought hard in every game. We improved too, I mean our defensive play improved when we needed to improve,” said Blevins.
Having those experiences is going to be vital for the Mustangs heading into next year, said Blevins.
“You become one year older and more mature. And you can handle those situations and have the confidence to get through one or two goal games and be on the other end of it.”
It will not be easy for the Mustangs however, as they say goodbye to a trio of 20-year-olds, as Braxx George, Sam Houston and Miles Warkentine all will be moving on next season.
“They were great leaders for our young group this year and we can’t thank them enough for what they have done for this organization,” said Blevins.
The Mustangs may also be without leading scorer Dakota Boutin, who appears set to head to Northern Michigan University to begin his collegiate career, foregoing his final year of SJHL eligibility.
With the season over and roster spots to fill, Blevins noted the preparations for next season have already begun.
Some of that preparation included sending the remaining players home for the summer with things they need to improve upon for next season.
“We’re hoping that all the players have a great summer and get in shape and build what they need to improve on,” said Blevins, who has high expectations for next season.
“We’ll have an older group, we’ll have eight 20-year-olds for sure and expectations will be higher.”
