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By Ben Tompkins

Back where it all began

Centennial Cup a homecoming for some Mustangs players

May 9, 2025 | 7:55 PM

The 2025 Centennial Cup is being hosted in a pretty ideal spot for a handful of Mustangs players; for some, Calgary is closer to home, while for others Calgary is home.

For Kaleb Binner and Kristian Coombs in particular, Calgary is their home town which means they’re playing a national championship right where their love for hockey all started.

“It’s amazing, seeing family and friends again, playing where I grew up playing and finished off playing minor hockey, it’s pretty surreal when you think about it, getting to play for a national championship in front of your family and friends. I’m super pumped and excited for the 10 days that we’re here,” explained Binner.

“It’ll also be nice to have a little bit of a home ice advantage, even though we’re the away team,” Coombs added.

The two are no strangers to the Max Bell Centre either, as many of their minor hockey games were held in the building.

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Kaleb Binner even made his home here during his last year of minor hockey as a Calgary Northstar.

“I’m very familiar with the ice service and the rink, so it’s definitely an advantage for me, and it’ll be fun to play in.”

Even for other members of the Blue and Green who never called Calgary home, it’s a lot closer than it was last year when the tournament was held in Oakville, Ont.

“It’s definitely a little closer for us coming from Saskatchewan, lots of billet parents and family members from back in Melfort and for all the Sask boys, they don’t have to fly, so travel is a little bit easier and a little bit cheaper too, which is nice. It’s a whole different experience and a different province, and it’s closer, so it’ll be good. We’ll get lots of support throughout the whole tournament, and it’ll be nice to see all the blue and green jerseys in the stands,” said Binner.

“I know my billets are coming out, so I’m really excited for that, it’ll be great. I think the Mustangs will be well represented here, I know a lot of people are coming out, which is great,” Coombs continued.

There are 11 players on the roster who are from Saskatchewan, with an additional five from Alberta, not including Binner and Coombs.

Even the players who reside in B.C. and North Dakota will have their families at the tournament.

“I think the boost it gives all the guys is huge. For me personally, I love playing in front of my family, they’re the reason why I got here today. It’s really nice having my younger brothers come out and be able to watch me, and my mom and dad, who have been huge supporters for me. It’s definitely a huge boost for me, and it makes this moment just that little extra bit more enjoyable,” mentioned Binner.

“There might be a little extra nerves, but I’ve always said nerves are good. I’ll definitely be a little nervous, but I was nervous last year in Ontario, too. It adds a little bit extra to the stakes, seeing some friends I haven’t seen in a while come to support me, but I’m just trying to soak it all in and not worry too much about it, and then when it’s game time, I’ll be ready to go.”

The Mustangs lost their opening game 3-1 Thursday night against the host Calgary Canucks, but after a day off to refocus, they’re ready to take on the Maritime Hockey League champions, the Edmundston Blizzard, Saturday at noon.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8