Seven Mustangs named to 21/22 SJHL/MJHL Showcase Rosters

While the SJHL/MJHL Showcase won’t take place in 2022 due to COVID-19 complications, the SJHL has announced the players that would have represented the league in Winnipeg.

For the Melfort Mustangs, a total of seven players have received the recognition on those rosters, five on Team Kunitz, and two on Team Schwartz.

Team Kunitz: Team Kunitz is comprised of players born in 2002 and 2001 from six of the SJHL’s 12 teams.

#5 – Hayden Tuba: The big, smooth-skating defenceman for the Mustangs was a stalwart on the blue line prior to a major injury in January. It was evident that Tuba has become more and more comfortable in the SJHL as the games progressed. He’s scored three time and has added 15 assists for 18 points in 38 games for the Mustangs.

#9 – Ben Tkachuk: The Mustang captain has done it all for the Mustangs this season. He’s played powerplay, penalty kill, 3-on-3 overtime, and he’s even played defence recently. Tkachuk has complied 15 goals, and 29 assists for 44 points in 48 games for the Mustangs this season.

#15 – Nolan Doell: Splitting his time this season between the La Ronge Ice Wolves and now the Mustangs, Nolan Doell has been a force to be reckoned with. He’s scored a total of 26 goals, good for a tie for fifth in the SJHL this season. He’s also added 20 assists for 46 points in 48 games.

#16 – Mark Snarr: The former Kindersley Klippers captain joined the Mustangs in November and had three assists in three games before an injury that put him out of the lineup until January. He’s since returned and been a relied upon defenceman for the Mustangs during a time where the Mustang blueline has endured a ton of injuries. Snarr has three goals, and 14 assists for 17 points in 40 games split between Melfort and Kindersley.

#45 – Curtis Hammond: From day one this season, Curtis Hammond has done nothing but score, and score big goals for the Melfort Mustangs. He opened the regular season by scoring the teams first goal of the year, and he’s since scored 26 goals total this season, tied for fifth in the SJHL. Hammond also scored five goals against the Notre Dame Hounds on Jan. 28 in Melfort. Hammond has also added 18 assists for 44 points.

Team Schwartz: Team Schwartz is comprised of players born in 2003 and earlier from all 12 of the SJHL’s members.

#14 – Zac Somers: The 2004-born centreman has been extremely reliable for the Mustangs this season. Somers has killed penalties time and time again, and has done so extremely effectively. He scored his first career SJHL goal on Oct. 15 in Estevan and hasn’t looked back. Overall, Somers has four goals, eight assists, and 12 points in 38 games.

#31 – James Venne: While James Venne may only be 17-years-old, his age doesn’t show very often as he’s been excellent in goal for the Mustangs. Venne won his first three career starts for the Mustangs and has compiled a 12-7-2-3 record for Melfort since joining the club. He’s posted two shutouts to go along with a 2.81 goals-against-average, and an .895 save percentage as one of the youngest goalies in the SJHL.