(Broad Leaf Media/Facebook)

By Ben Tompkins

Season Opener

Mustangs begin season at home against rival Hawks

Sep 19, 2025 | 1:40 PM

The 2025/26 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season has arrived, as all 12 teams are in action tonight for their season openers.

In the case of the two-time defending SJHL Champions, the Melfort Mustangs, they will play host to the rival Nipawin Hawks, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Northern Lights Palace.

“Tonight is super important, we’re really looking forward to the game and getting the season going. We’re looking for our first win,” explained Mustangs’ forward Zayden Sadlemyer.

“After winning back-to-back, we know the target is on our backs again this year. The guys are prepared, and they’re really excited. It was a short summer for us, but we’re happy to get back to work… we just want to stick to the process and do what we do well. Play our game and have the hard work we do in practice every day just translate well into the game.”

The Mustangs and the Hawks will meet eight times this year, and are the only two teams league-wide that will play only once on opening weekend.

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

5h ago

Seniors Scene

Christmas is Coming

Dec 09, 2025

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

With nothing on the schedule tomorrow, teams will leave everything on the line Friday evening for a rivalry contest that will also feature 20+ alumni returning, a championship banner raising ceremony, and a new scoreclock unveiling.

Not to mention the group of Sadlemyer, Austin Shepherd, Nolan Patterson, and Bo Eisner, who will all have a letter crested on the top corner of their Blue and Green jerseys for the very first time.

“I’m very honoured and excited [to be the captain of the team this year]. I think we have a great group here, so I’m excited about the task ahead, and just really looking forward to getting the season going,” (Melfort captain) Sadlemyer added.

“My assistants [Shepherd, Patterson, and Eisner] are fantastic. They’re the whole support group, and they’ve been here for three years. They’re great guys to lean on anytime you need a hand. If you need anything, just let those guys know, and they’ll help you out.”

Game 1 of 56, every team with zero wins and zero losses, and the Stangs are hoping to start off with a bang, as the SJHL’s top-ranked team.

–

Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8