Many were shocked.
The Melfort Mustangs were not. In 56 regular-season games during the 2023-24 season, the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) club finished with 38 wins and an extremely respectable 80 points, the second-most in the league.
The only team ahead was the Flin Flon Bombers, who finished with 44 wins and 91 points. The Bombers swept Kindersley and Battlefords to advance to the league final. Melfort beat Estevan in five games and Humboldt in a dramatic seven-game series. It was the top two teams in the league, squaring off for a league title. The Bombers were favourites after an incredible regular season.
On the Mustangs' blueline was Bo Eisner of Swan River. The Mustangs scored nine goals in game one and 17 in the first three games to take a commanding three games to none lead over the Bombers. Flin Flon bounced back with two straight wins before Eisner propelled the Mustangs to a game six win as they captured the SJHL championship and the right to compete at the Centennial Cup.
Back with the Mustangs this season, the 20-year-old Swan River star was a key cog as the team won 46 of 56 regular-season games and finished with a league-leading 94 points. They were 13 ahead of Flin Flon, and the separation between them and the eighth-place Kindersley Klippers was 39 points.
"A bit of a different roster this year, we're a bit older, with quite a few returning guys from last year," said Eisner. "It's a great group, we got off to a great start, and kept our foot on the pedal all season."
Eisner and the Mustangs had little trouble beating Kindersley in the first round this year, needing five games to do so. Then came a tough test as they played the Yorkton Terriers, a team that won 33 games and finished fourth in the league.
The Mustangs expected a push, but they never really got one. They scored 16 goals and swept Yorkton to advance to their second straight league final, this time against a new team.
"Yorkton is a very good team, we just stuck to our systems, and played well," offered Eisner.
The Bombers met the Weyburn Red Wings in the other semifinal, and after winning the first three games, the Red Wings won the series in six games to advance to the final. The Parkland Ranger alum is thrilled to play for another league title.
"Yeah, it's awesome. Not many guys are still playing at this time of the year," commented Eisner. "To get the chance to do it two years in a row is awesome. There is a ton of fan support, and everyone around town is fired up. It's an awesome experience, can't wait to get it going on Friday.
Eisner and the Mustangs beat the Red Wings in three of their four meetings, outscoring them 14-11. Game one is Saturday in Melfort, followed by game two on Sunday. Games three and four move to Weyburn before alternating for games five, six, and seven, if necessary.
And while Eisner is a star on the team, another star from Swan River will look to help the Mustangs win a championship, as Will Munro is on fire. He has nine points in nine playoff games, ranking third in team scoring.
Munro is also a former Ranger, and the two grew up together in Swan River.
"It's awesome to have someone familiar by my side battling," continued Eisner. "He's one of my best friends, so it's an amazing feeling to experience this with him. Hopefully, we can get the job done against Weyburn."
The Melfort Mustangs and the Weyburn Red Wings. A spot in the Centennial Cup is on the line.
"They have some excellent scorers," ended Eisner. "They're well balanced and play to structure. It should be a great battle."
