Inside every team after the first 30-days of the regular season… Comments from every coach… What to look for in the weeks ahead…
BY Jonathan Huntington
SASKATOON – Almost 25% of the regular-season is complete, with seven of 12 teams above .500 and two more clubs knocking on the door to join that group. At the same time, the next six weeks will be critical for every team to make adjustments and move through the standings.
Here’s an inside look at every team, as the calendar turns to November in a few days:
Regina Pat Canadians: 10-1 in 11 games; 20 points
Coach’s Assessment: “It’s a big turnover of players,” said Ryan Hodgins, just moments after Regina defeated Yorkton 8-0 on Sunday (October 26th). “Today in our line-up we only had seven returning players. We are still working to create an identity but I’m happy.”
Next 45 Days: Regina is led by the spectacular duo of Maddox Schultz and Liam Pue. Schultz has 26 points in just nine games; Pue has 22 points in eight games. But they are committed to other teams in the weeks ahead. “We won’t see (Maddox) and Liam very much in November,” continued Hodgins.
Schultz and Pue are part of Team Canada at the U17 World Challenge in Nova Scotia from November 2-8. And both are committed to the WHL’s Regina Pats for their six-game United States road trip from November 19-29.
Key Takeaways: With 15 goals and 11 assists in nine games, Schultz is averaging almost 3 points per game. “He’s unbelievable,” said Hodgins. “He’s a special player and a great human.”
Moose Jaw Winmar Warriors: 9-0-1 in 10 games; 18 points
Coach’s Assessment: “We have a great group of young men who have worked hard early (in the season) and have a team-first mentality,” said Trevor Weisgerber.
Next 45 Days: “We want the guys to keep getting better everyday and work towards our goal to qualify for the Circle K Tournament (in Calgary),” continued Weisgerber.
Key Takeaways: Early Monday morning, Moose Jaw announced the signing of Chase Petersen, who played 52 games for the WHL’s Lethbridge Hurricanes last year, along with five more this year before being traded earlier this month the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors. The WHL club has assigned Petersen to the SMAAAHL, which led to Monday’s announcement and the release of Kadyn Olfert… Max Fuessel has 11 goals in 10 games, tied for second in the league… Moose Jaw’s only loss came in OT to the Regina Pat Cs. The two teams meet again November 29th in Moose Jaw, but the Pat Cs are scheduled to be without the dynamic duo of Schultz and Pue.
Swift Current Legionnaires: 7-1-1 in 9 games: 15 points
Coach’s Assessment: “We are happy with our start and the progression our team has made this far. We have built good chemistry in our dressing room and look to continue growing,” said Todd Hornung.
Next 45 Days: “The hope is that we can be in a position to potentially host a playoff series,” added Hornung.
Key Takeaways: Kasey Glenn is fifth in league scoring with 17 points in eight games… After starting the year with six straight road games, Swift Current has a challenging November schedule – playing 12 games (the second-most of any team in the league) while facing Moose Jaw twice, Regina once and Warman twice.
Warman Wildcats: 7-2 in 9 games: 14 points
Coach’s Assessment: “Our team is still trying to find our way from a consistency perspective. We are learning what it takes to be a competitive team everyday,” said Courage Bear.
Next 45 Days: “By mid-December we expect that all our players have taken a step and bought into our team’s identity, so we are ready for the backend of the season,” added Bear.
Key Takeaways: The Brother Act is producing to start the year in Warman. Cash Arcand-Vandale and Nixon Arcand-Vandale each have four goals.
Yorkton Kinsmen Maulers: 5-7-1 in 13 games: 11 points
Coach’s Assessment: “At the quarter mark of the season, the Kinsmen Maulers have shown strong growth in structure, compete level and team culture, proving they can battle with teams in the SMAAAHL. Consistency and discipline will be key areas of focus as the group looks to turn close games into wins and continue building momentum heading into the next stretch,” remarked Jason Gordon.
Next 45 Days: “By mid-December, our goal is to solidify our team identity — playing fast, structured and connected hockey every night — while positioning ourselves in the playoff hunt. We want to see continued growth in our special teams, leadership group and overall accountability, with a strong emphasis on improved team discipline and reducing unnecessary penalties. This focus will set the tone for a more consistent and competitive second half of the season.”
Key Takeaways: The Maulers have been playing without one of their leading defensemen as Orsen Poll has been loaned to the SJHL’s Estevan Bruins
Tisdale Trojans: 5-5 in 10 games; 10 points
Coach’s Assessment: “We are currently off to the best start we have had in several years,” commented Wes Rudy.
Next 45 Days: “We would like to build to a more consistent team effort and game by December,” continued Rudy.
Key Takeaways: Tisdale’s first five games in November will be a good measuring stick, as they play the Saskatoon Blazers (twice), Warman Wildcats and Swift Current (twice).
Prince Albert Mintos: 5-4 in 9 games: 10 points
Coach’s Assessment: The team has been battling well, but we are a young team that is struggling with consistency and can’t find our game on the road. Being 1-4 in away games and 4-0 at home is a key problem,” stated Dion Antisin. “It’s good that we have won five games and need to continue winning at home.”
Next 45 Days: “Our goal will be to sit a playoff position by Christmas – aiming for a 4th to 8th spot,” added the head coach.
Key Takeaways: The Mintos got a boost last week with the return of Carter Wingert from Melville in the SJHL. “He will be able to add size, skill and character to this group,” continued Antisin.
Saskatoon Blazers: 4-3-1 in 8 games: 9 points
Coach’s Assessment: “Our game is still in its infancy. We have inconsistent periods that we will continue to work thru. We aren’t where we want to be in all of our systemic play but once fully healthy and a full roster, I’m sure all aspects will improve,” said Troy Walkington.
Next 45 Days: “If we bring a high level of compete and play within structure, our goal is to be one of the top teams in Saskatchewan,” he added.
Key Takeaways: Madex Kabrud returned from the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL and is a huge addition to Saskatoon’s roster. He was 19-4 between the pipes for Saskatoon in the regular season last year… The Blazers have one open roster spot to add an impact player if one becomes available in the weeks ahead.
Battlefords Stars: 3-5-2 in 10 games: 8 points
Coach’s Assessment: “I feel our team is heading in the right direction. Defensively, we have been good, but offensively we need to generate more. We had good games with the top 2 teams in the league in Moose Jaw and Regina, which was a good measuring stick of how we have to play 60 minutes to be a top team,” said Martin Smith.
Next 45 Days: “I want to continue to move up the standings and our goal by Christmas break is to be in the top six.”
Key Takeaways: Battlefords has an interesting schedule quirk to start November: they play their next four games against the same opponent – Notre Dame.
Estevan Innovex Bears: 3-9 in 12 games: 6 points
Coach’s Assessment: “As a whole, we have played decent hockey. With the tough schedule that we have started with, we are in all the games. We have split with two good teams in Warman and the Blazers. It’s just a matter of finding consistency and working to get results,” said Ryan Pilon.
Next 45 Days: “Finding some results and consistency in our game. Our desperation at times needs to be a lot higher,” added Pilon.
Key Takeaways: The Bears have a big month ahead with seven of their nine games on the road.
Saskatoon Contacts: 2-5-1 in 8 games: 5 points
Coaches Assessment: “I think our group has taken strides through the first month of the season to build on how we want to play. A number of close games that could have went either way and it will be important we continue to push through a tough stretch,” said Ryan Keller.
Next 45 Days: November is a crucial month for the Contacts – and the table is set with seven of their nine games at home.
Key Takeaways: The Contacts are holding a roster spot for Jake Evans, who has started the year by playing 10 games for the WHL’s Lethbridge Hurricanes. Evans had 40 points in 44 games for the Contacts last year.
Notre Dame Hounds: 0-10 in 10 games: 0 points
Coach’s Assessment: “The first quarter of the season has been an eye-opener for all our guys as they are all newcomers to the SMAAAHL. We have learned that every shift matters and attention to details matter and our compete level needs to continue to improve,” said Casey O’Brien.
Next 45 Days: “Our objective and goal is to continue to improve on and off the ice – focusing on the things that we can control as well as our team play. Our first win is a priority,” added O’Brien.
Key Takeaways: The Hounds have dealt with injuries to leaders Jacob Carroll and Michah Primm. “They are heart and soul guys that bring grit and effort into our lineup. We will be excited to get them back healthy soon,” explained O’Brien.
