There is no way around a quick moment to say that certainly Melville lost significant pieces in the off-season, both to graduation and defection.
That being said, it took Doug Johnson no time at all a couple of years ago to turn this ship around fast, and as he heads into his third season at the controls of the CN Community Centre, there is no reason to believe he won’t be able to do it again in 2025-26.
To continue on that point, enough time has passed from the previous regime that this group will be well and truly formed in Doug’s image.
Heavy, hard on the forecheck, and stifling in the defensive zone, only the champion Melfort Mustangs and the Flin Flon Bombers allowed fewer goals a year ago, and this team does return a solid group of defenders, led by big, mobile two-way right-shot veterans Boston Harkness and Wesley Golden.
It has been a common theme over the last few years that people wonder where the Mil’s goals will come from around Brendan Olson, who broke out with 40 points a year ago, and former 1st overall SJHL draft pick Preston Baerwald, but there aren’t many more experienced coaches and recruiters in the SJHL than Johnson. So, some patience from the Melville community has likely been earned.
Additionally, the acquisition of Matty Edwards from Weyburn will make it even less fun to face the Moneymen.
Let’s take a look at some key numbers from the last regular season for the Millionaires:
SJHL Co-Director of Media Clark Munroe sat down with Head Coach/GM Doug Johnson in the SCSA Coaches’ Show ahead of the 25/26 season and got his thoughts on the upcoming year.
