1995/96 Melfort Mustangs (submitted photo/Leonard Strandberg)

By Ben Tompkins

Homecoming

Numerous Mustangs alumni returning for home opener

Sep 17, 2025 | 4:30 PM

Many familiar faces will be in the crowd on Friday night at the Northern Lights Palace in Melfort.

There, the Mustangs will hold their home opener for the 2025/26 season, as they host the Nipawin Hawks.

While more than 20 members of the current team will be dispersed between the ice, bench, locker room, and stands, there will be more than 20 members of former championship teams in their seats and around the concourse as fans.

“We’ve had different reunions over the years, but I think everybody’s really excited about getting together. It’s tough because it’s September, and people are back at work, and kids are in school, and farming is in full swing, so we just appreciate everybody who’s able to make it back,” explained Kevin Dickie, Mustangs’ head coach from 1991-1996.

“People say teams that win together, stay together and stay in touch. I think it’s also a tight-knit group that helps you win, and there’s a connection there with a tighter friendship among players. Everybody’s excited about seeing each other, and for us to get together and be able to see, first of all, the Mustangs play, but then to see a banner be raised again, it’s going to be really special to even just be at the game.”

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The players returning to the Palace are members of the 1991/92 and 1995/96 championship teams.

Now, they’ll witness a team that’s gone back-to-back and has many similarities to their group back in the day.

“Just in terms of the passion for the game and the drives to win amongst both teams… I think for all of us going back, there’s just a sense of pride in being a Mustang. Our connection with the community, too, was second to none in Saskatchewan. We were friends with so many people in the community, both players and coaches,” Dickie added.

“Seeing the people who cheered us on, or seeing any billets who are still around. The billet families are the families for these young men when they’re going through their junior hockey careers. We’ve all got our special people, so just to get back to the community will be great for sure.”

There is one member of the 95/96 club that has never left, and arguably become an even bigger part of the organization.

From player to head coach and general manager, a multi-time champion, Trevor Blevins is one person that Dickie knows the 90s teams also keep track of and are very excited to see.

“The thing that really links us together is how proud we are of Trevor. We had a great run back in the day, but he’s just taking it to a whole other level and setting the bar even higher. We’re all big fans of his and are really proud of him.”

A history of Melfort Mustangs’ championship hockey, it’s all at the Palace Friday night, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8