Meota Combines win first ever SPHL title

The deciding game was 2-2 entering the second period when Blake scored on a breakaway to put the Combines up 3-2.

Hafford responded with a tying goal early in the third, but Meota captain Scott Maunula retook the lead less than two minutes later.

Blake then completed the hat-trick with two more goals late in the third, including an empty-netter to seal the deal.

Cadrin said the addition of Blake this season, who returned to Saskatchewan after a pro stint with the Wichita Thunder, was huge, even though he was limited to just seven regular season and nine playoff games.

“Tonight really showed what he can do,” Cadrin said. “He’s been playing hurt all playoffs and game four was really when he got going. Even games one, two, and three when he was hurt, he still stood out.”

Blake finished with five goals and four assists in the finals, and 15 points in nine playoff games. Brody, who missed the first four games of the playoffs, finished with 13 points in the playoffs, six of which came in the finals.

Not to be overlooked was the performance of goaltender James Revering, who came in as relief during game four after starter Josh Alook went down with an injury. Revering won game four without allowing a goal and then backstopped Meota in their 6-3 championship-clinching win Saturday.

“Got to give full credit to [him]. What a situation,” Blake said of Revering. “Hasn’t played in what, four to six weeks? And then having to step into such a big situation and close a nervous game like that. He stepped up to the plate and got the job done.”

With Meota winning their first league title, it means there have been seven different champions in the eight-year history of the SPHL, with the Battleford Beaver Blues as the only team to win more than once. Combines defenceman Sean Patrick was named playoff MVP after Saturday’s game.

cjnbsports@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BattlefordsNOW

by battlefordsNOW Staff

Meota Combines win first ever SPHL title

What's Trending