Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League

Mils’ ’05 AP Pyne shines in SJ debut

~ Article and image courtesy melvillemillionaires.ca.

A young, injury-stricken Melville Millionaires team matched up against the Weyburn Redwings Wednesday night at Crescent Point Place. Although missing numerous players from their forward group, their backend, and both netminders, they found themselves up 4-0 when the final buzzer sounded. It was a well rounded game by the Millionaires regulars but, the 31 save shutout was posted by none other than 2005-born goaltender Kelton Pyne. The 16-year-old Regina Pat Canadians goalie not only pitched a shutout for the Millionaires, but he did it in his first SJHL start. Pyne was selected by the Millionaires in the 4th Round, 46th Overall, in the 2020 SJHL draft.

Head Coach/GM Mike Rooney touched on Kelton’s performance Wednesday night: “Kelton came in and played very well.  He was technically sound, poised and managed the game very well; he has quietly and steadily improved since we drafted him. He looks very much Junior ready right now,” stated the Millionaires bench boss.

The Mills Media Group asked what is next for the young talented goaltender, Rooney replied: “He has to keep working and developing his game. I’ve been fortunate to scout many elite goalies through my time. The key is getting quantity/quality starts in net. This is a very pivotal time in his development. Tonight, he handled older shooters, he did well against Bedard throughout Pats camp; he has a promising future.”

The rematch of Wednesday’s game will be Saturday as the Millionaires are headed back to Weyburn for a late-night matchup.