REGINA, SK – The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League 2024 post-season field is now set.
With the Nipawin Hawks’ 7-2 defeat in Melfort, the Estevan Bruins and the Kindersley Klippers both officially clinched their playoff spots. It is the Bruins’ 13th consecutive post-season appearance, while it is the first time the Klippers have reached the dance since 2018.
The five-game Friday night provided all sorts of movement in the standings.
Jacob Strizzi scored twice, and Cage Newans and Spencer Bell added a goal and assist each as the Humboldt Broncos held off a furious third-period rally to take down the Battlefords North Stars 6-4 at the Access Communications Centre. The victory pushed the Broncos into third place, one spot ahead of the Stars.
In Weyburn, Bradley Banach scored his fifth goal in two games and Luc Bydal tallied twice as the Melville Millionaires downed the Red Wings 3-1 at Crescent Point Place. The win extended Melville’s win streak to five games and extended their lead over Weyburn in fifth place to five points.
Estevan’s 5-4 victory over Notre Dame at Affinity Place not only made the post-season clinch sweeter but also moved the Bruins into seventh ahead of idle Kindersley.
Flin Flon and Melfort extended their holds on first and second place with their victories at home over La Ronge and Nipawin, respectively.
Find the updated standings here.
Highlights to come tomorrow.
Estevan 5 Notre Dame 4
Melville 3 Weyburn 1
Humboldt 6 Battlefords 4
Flin Flon 6 La Ronge 4
Melfort 7 Nipawin 2
Saturday features two more critical clashes in the playoff picture.
Saturday, March 9, 2024
Battlefords @ Humboldt, 7:00 PM
Weyburn @ Melville, 7:00 PM