Welcome to the first ever edition of the SaskPower Rankings, and it’s a pre-season edition as the regular campaign for 2025-26 is set to begin Friday (tomorrow).
Check out our full SJHL Weekly Season Preview by clicking here!
Find the full season schedule by clicking here!
1. Melfort Mustangs
Fresh off back-to-back Canterra Seeds Cup wins, and Centennial Cup silver medals, the Mustangs return with championship pedigree and a roster built on the three C’s: Coaching, Culture, and Continuity. A strong core of returning forwards, a rock-solid defence, and a star goaltender (Madden Mulawka) make them the team to beat. Scoring depth is the one lingering question, but defensively, Melfort looks poised to smother opponents.
2. Humboldt Broncos
With arguably the top returning forward and defenseman in the league, Humboldt is loaded with talent. Connor Miller’s return is massive, while the McIlwain–Knutson duo could form the league’s best blue-line pair. Goaltending remains a question mark, but adding a Kotai usually works out well. With Brayden Klimosko now fully settled on the bench and in the front office, expect Humboldt to contend at the very top.
3. Kindersley Klippers
After years of building, Kindersley’s window may finally be open. The Perlinger twins are ready for a breakout, and the forward depth—Evans, Wieler, Johnson, Sautner, Eger, etc. —could form one of the league’s best top-nines. Jaxon Herchak and Austin Osiowy are back on the back end, with a big group of returners there as well. Goaltender Brett O’Halloran gives them a reliable backbone. With Kyle Schneider taking over behind the bench, the Klippers have a strong foundation to push higher.
4. Flin Flon Bombers
Expectations are always high in Flin Flon, and this group looks ready to take another step. Rhett Ewen, Leo Seitz, and Wyatt Stinton should lead the way up front, with a solid supporting cast behind them. The Bombers bring back five defensemen and added an elite puck-mover from Quebec in Xavier Fauchon. Still, with Mike Reagan behind the bench, they’re always dangerous.
5. Nipawin Hawks
Nipawin has the feel of a big year—loaded with returnees and primed for a breakout. Finley Radloff has bounce-back potential, and their forward group could be among the league’s best. Gage Roberts gives them stability in net, but an unproven blue line keeps them just outside the top three. If they who are the Hawks’ staff think they are, Tad Kozun’s group could be a force.
6. Melville Millionaires
Doug Johnson’s system is starting to take hold, and that could mean trouble for opponents. Melville projects as a stingy, defensive team, with Boston Harkness already looking like a defenceman of the year candidate. Kael Svensson could be the next great goalie under Johnson’s watch. Scoring remains the question, but if Brendan Olson and company step up, Melville will be tough to play against.
7. Yorkton Terriers
Yorkton surprised many with last year’s run and still has pieces in place to stay competitive. Callum Creig is now the undisputed starter in net, while Zawatzky, Henrikson, and Junek headline a capable forward group. Tommy Ries should contend for top defenceman honors. The question: can Emery Olauson replace the scoring lost from last year’s magical season?
8. Weyburn Red Wings
After a run to the finals, Weyburn lost a huge chunk of production. Ty Matonovich has the tools to be a top goalie, while Bierd, Martin, Karman, and Schraeder form a solid defensive core. The offence, however, has big shoes to fill with Maharaj and others gone. Cody Mapes isn’t afraid to tinker, so expect changes throughout the year.
9. Battlefords North Stars
A team in transition with its third coach in three years, the Stars will need to find their identity quickly. The Zacharias–Campbell–Knittig line has elite potential, and the defense has a solid top four. Goaltending remains unproven, and depth scoring is a concern. New bench boss Connor Logan has work to do, but the talent is there to surprise.
10. Warman Wolverines
A fresh start in Warman brings excitement, but also plenty of question marks. Vinny Palmarin is a potential star on the blue line, but goaltending depth is unproven. A small core of returners leaves opportunity for new leaders to emerge up front. If the Wolverines can find offence, they could feed off the energy of their new home and surprise some teams. The continuity of having a great coach in Brett Pilkington at the head is huge.
11. Estevan Bruins
Estevan’s offseason included a major trade that could shake up their outlook. Williams, Getzlaff, and Rennie form a promising trio, while Goodwin and Scheck bolster the blue line. The big question: will young goalie Dylan Adams step up? First-year coach Drew Kocur is building a new culture, and while growing pains are expected, this team could sneak into playoff talks.
12. La Ronge Ice Wolves
A young, rebuilding group in La Ronge faces an uphill battle in a tough division. Graham Brown has the potential to be a top goaltender, but the inexperience in front of him will be tested nightly. With a new facility and a youthful roster, the Ice Wolves may take their lumps this season, but the foundation is being laid for the future.
