As the calendar turns to February and the MJHL/SJHL Showcase is in the rearview mirror, the playoff races are as hot as ever.
A group of SJHL media decides the power rankings.
1. Flin Flon Bombers (29-9-4) (Last week 2nd)
Another win, a big 4-0 decision over the No. 1 seeded Melfort Mustangs this past week, and the Flin Flon Bombers’ unbeaten-in-regulation-streak is up to 26 in a row. Matthew Kieper looks unbeatable in net, and this train does not look to be slowing down anytime soon.
2. Melfort Mustangs (32-7-0) (Last week 1st)
A two-game losing streak must seem novel and uncomfortable for a team as dominant as the Mustangs this year. However, there is no reason to worry, and this little blip might even help Trevor Blevins’ coaching staff get playoff-specific messages through again. A tough week against Yorkton and Weyburn looms.
3. Weyburn Red Wings (27-12-2) (Last week 3rd)
Sure, the Wings split with their Highway 39 rival Estevan Bruins this past week, but it could be chalked up to the fatigue of six Weyburn players at the Winnipeg Showcase two days before Friday’s SaskTel Game of the Month contest. The 2025 calendar year has been brilliant overall for Cody Mapes’ men.
4. Yorkton Terriers (25-15-1) (Last week 5th)
The Terriers have overcome all sorts of adversity this year, and that resilience will once again be tested with the departure of star shooter Keenan Ingram to the BCHL. A good win at home over the struggling Notre Dame Hounds was followed by a solid victory in Estevan over the Bruins this past weekend. More good news for Emery Olauson’s men is that they spend much of the season at home.
5. Humboldt Broncos (22-17-3) (Last week 7th)
What a difference a couple of weeks makes! The Broncos were amid a three-game skid in mid-January, hanging on to the final playoff spot. Now, they’re on a seven-game unbeaten run, with six wins, and have at least fifth place in the standings in sight. Two thunderous wins over the Battlefords North Stars this past week are the latest evidence of how this talented group has figured it out.
6. Melville Millionaires (22-19-3) (Last week 6th)
Coinciding well with Humboldt’s resurgence is one just as impressive in Melville. A four-game win streak, including a pair over the Nipawin Hawks, has the Mils on track. They also have nine of the next 11 at home, so watch out for the Moneymen. Boy, has young Nick Genette been good in the net?
7. Kindersley Klippers (21-19-3) (Last week, 8th)
The Klippers fought tooth and nail this past weekend to earn three possible four points from La Ronge, which was huge enough to provide a bit more separation at the bottom of the playoff picture. Will Christian is on fire, with 10 points in his last four games.
8. Battlefords North Stars (20-17-5) (Last week 4th)
The Stars have proven yearly that they are a real force when healthy. The problem lately is that they just have not been healthy. However, Captain Jackson Allan is back and getting sharp just in time as Battlefords is amid a little slump. Two losses to Humboldt last week did not help matters.
9. La Ronge Ice Wolves (17-21-3) (Last week 9th)
As expected, La Ronge under Kevin Kaminski just will not quit on the year. Three of four points in Kindersley this past week were the bare minimum needed, and the fact they are still alive is awe-inspiring, given they have had only a single home game in January. They must make hay in the next four at home to sniff the playoffs.
10. Estevan Bruins (14-20-6) (Last week 11th)
Big kudos to the Bruins; they have played very hard under new head coach Drew Kocur, who replaced Jason Tatarnic six games ago. Three of four points from a pair against Weyburn will be great for morale, though a setback at home against Yorkton in the third of three was not ideal. Lots to like about this group who are playing free and easy right now.
11. Notre Dame Hounds (11-24-4) (Last week 10th)
The Hounds played only a single this week, a loss in Yorkton, but whether or not Hudson Kerr earns Rookie of the Month honours in January, he certainly showed out big time. January’s end and February’s start were quiet, but the rest of the season will be a marathon for this young group, many of whom will be playing to impress Brett Pilkington and staff for jobs next year.
12. Nipawin Hawks (8-28-5) (Last week 12th)
The Hawks have continued to get better all year and pushed the Mils last weekend after beating the mighty Melfort Mustangs before the Showcase. It’s all gravy and growth the rest of the way in Nipawin, whose young players showed terrifically in Winnipeg last week.
