The 2024-25 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League campaign begins Friday, Sept. 20. For the Weyburn Red Wings, who proved they are for real after two straight successful seasons that ended with highly competitive Round 1 exits, this season is about taking that next step from competitor to contender.
Head coach and general manager Cody Mapes lost some key weapons up front and the back end to graduation but has worked tirelessly to restock the cupboards with talent and experience and will expect the Wings to fly from the start this time around.
The most significant source of confidence is in net, where Dazza Mitchell and Angelo Zol are expected to return and be one of the best 1-2 goaltender punches in the league.
Let’s take a look at some key numbers from the last regular season for the Red Wings:
Record: 26-24-0-6 (58 pts, 6th place)
Special Teams: PP: 23.7% (2nd); PK: 79.7% (5th)
Goal Differential: GF: 195 (5th); GA: 213 (9th); Diff: -18
Special Teams Frequency: Power-Play Opportunities: 241 (11th); Times Shorthanded: 296 (1st)
Goaltender Stats from 23-24:
Dazza Mitchell, 18-11-4, 3.18 GAA, .916 SV%, 3 SO
Angelo Zol, 7-7-2, 3.19 GAA, .914 SV%, 0 SO
Top Scorers from 23-24:
Jerome Maharaj: 56GP, 20G, 36A, 56PTS
Max Monette: 55GP, 23G, 28A, 51PTS
Jaxson Ruthven: 51GP, 17G, 32A, 49PTS
Jacob Visentini: 53GP, 15G, 27A, 42PTS
Tyler Teasdale: 53GP, 18G, 22A, 40PTS
Mapes brought in some familiar and talented names to SJHL fans in Cyprus Smith-Davis, Keenan Ingram, and Alejandro De Leon, who are back from outside the league, as well as Josh Karman and Ty McKay from elsewhere in the league. For good reason, expectations are very high in ‘The Opportunity City’.
SJHL Co-Director of Media Clark Munroe sat down with Coach Mapes ahead of the 24/25 season and asked his thoughts on the upcoming year.
