Will Munro was almost 40 hours away from his hometown, trying to make the Cape Breton Eagles of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.
While the Swan River star was told there would be a spot for him on the team, he would have started the season on the third or fourth line. Will had little interest in that after playing that same role with the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL) to begin his career.
So Will made the trek back closer to home, only to find himself in Saskatchewan with the Melfort Mustangs. Stacked with elite talent, the Mustangs sought to defend their Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) title. Led by Trevor Blevins, Munro was having difficulty finding his way in Melfort. That paved the way for a return to his hometown as he joined the Stampeders.
Will played 10 games, scoring three times, tallying seven points. Playing in Swan Valley allowed Will to hit his stride while playing with the club he grew up watching.
"It was pretty surreal, growing up watching the Stampeders," said Munro. "It was an awesome feeling strapping on the jersey."
Munro's time with Swan Valley was brief. After producing seven points in 10 games, he returned to Melfort, this time for good. He was acquired by Melfort as they looked to go back-to-back. Joining Melfort meant Will reunited with one of his best friends, Bo Eisner.
Bo won an SJHL title with Melfort last year and is one of the team's top defenders. They grew up together in Swan River and are both Parkland Ranger alums.
"I sit beside Bo in the room, and we spent like 15 years going to the rink together, we know everything about each other," continued Munro. "It's pretty awesome to be on the same team as him again."
Will also has some family ties on the team in former Dauphin King Ashton Paul. Paul is Will's first cousin and posted 24 points in 28 regular-season games before notching nine more in 14 playoff games.
"My extended family is coming out that I don't think I've ever seen at one of my games," said Munro. "All of the support from my family is so special. Knowing that we have it is so surreal."
As Melfort entered the playoffs after a historic regular season, which saw them finish with 46 wins and 94 points, Will immediately stepped in and found success. He scored 14 points in 27 regular-season games before erupting in the playoffs. Across 14 games, the Swan River star had five goals and nine points.
"I always thought in U18 when the Rangers made the second round, I elevated my play there as well," commented Munro. "I knew coming into the playoffs that was what I wanted to do. I don't like sitting back in the playoffs and letting someone else drive the bus. I chatted with the coach, who said I was an important piece. It helped a lot having that confidence from him."
Will helped the Mustangs cruise past Kindersley in five games in the first round before dispatching a very good Yorkton team in four games. After dropping the first game of the Canterra Seeds Cup final against Weyburn, Melfort hit its stride.
They won three straight, and on Sunday, April 27, the stage was set. The Cup was in the building, and the Mustangs seized the moment. They outshot the Red Wings, 35-16, and completed an incredible run, back-to-back champions.
"It was awesome, I had about 30 family members there, and they stayed late for pictures and whatnot," continued Munro. "The fans were incredible, just a special thing to be a part of."
Will and his team are now off to Calgary on Tuesday to compete in the Centennial Cup, Canada's national Junior A championship. They played in the event last year and advanced to the national final, only to lose to Collingwood, 1-0.
Back with that experience and knowing how much deeper they'll need to dig, the Mustangs open their tournament on Thursday evening in primetime against the host and Alberta Junior Hockey League champion Calgary Canucks.
In a very strong pool, they'll also play the Edmundston Blizzard of the Maritimes Hockey League (MHL), Rockland Nationals of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), and the Braves de Valleyfield of the Quebec Junior League (QJL).
10 of the top teams from coast to coast, and Will is ready for the challenge.
"I think we're pretty comfortable and know what we can do and achieve," ended Munro. "I don't think there are too many nerves, guys are excited. We'll come out of the gates flying on Thursday."
Stay tuned to CKDM Sports throughout the next two weeks to see how Will and Bo are doing. The Northern Manitoba Blizzard will represent the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) after downing the Dauphin Kings in a triple-overtime thriller in game seven last week.
