The 2024 SPHL champion, Meota Combines. (Submitted photo/Meota Combines)

By Martin Martinson

SPHL Dynasty

Meota Combines complete three-peat, win fourth title in five seasons

Mar 17, 2024 | 11:00 AM

For the third straight year – and fourth time in the last five seasons – the Meota Combines have staked their claim atop the senior hockey mountain, as Saskatchewan Prairie Hockey League (SPHL) champions.

Defeating the Glaslyn North Stars 8-4 in Game 4 of their all-local best-of-seven finals series to take a four-game sweep, the numbers at a glance perhaps don’t do full justice to just how grueling a series the finals were, and just how determined an effort the Combines had to put forth to win.

Trailing by at least a single goal in each of the first three games, the Combines’ veteran savvy and clutch scoring throughout their lineup played a massive role in the team’s ability to consistently battle back in games on their road to the championship.

Team captain, Bryce Gatzke, who scored the double OT winner to open the series back in Game 1, said he couldn’t be more proud of the group’s dedication on their way to the title again this year.

“There’s a lot of sacrifices made by guys and a lot of hard work put into the team,” Gatzke said with emotion. “It’s easy to get complacent and just go through the motions, but our group doesn’t do that. The discipline and drive is phenomenal.”

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“It’s not the Stanley Cup, but these championships form bonds that we will have for a lifetime. It’s pretty special to look back and have these memories.” – Bryce Gatzke on the team’s championships

The Meota Combines’ veteran contingent that’s been with the team since its inception 10 years ago, pictured L-R: Back row: Taylor Tatchell, Brody Tatchell, Derek Welford. Front row: Aaron Cadrin, Bo Gervais, Kyle Gregoire, Brett Miller. (Submitted photo/Aaron Cadrin)

The clinching game Friday saw Meota take a 3-0 lead at the end of the first period, and make it 5-3 at the end of two on their way to the 8-4 final. Assistant captain, Aaron Cadrin said the team’s ability to come out swinging from the opening puck drop, and continue to pressure with five different players chipping in goals on the night, made the difference.

“Just coming out hard and getting that first goal on the opening shift was huge, and think that goal really put them back on their heels for the rest of the game,” Cadrin said. “We have a nice mixture of young skill and talent with our veteran leadership, and I think they complement each other really well, so when you put it all together we’ve got a really good team and we’re looking forward to many more [championships] to come hopefully.”

Leading the way in the final game was tandem four-point performances from game-breakers Jayden Nachtegaele (three goals, one assist) and Jake McMillen (two goals, two assists). Finishing second and third overall in playoff scoring with 23 points (10 goals , 13 assists) in 10 games for Nachtegaele, and 18 (10 goals, eight assists) in 10 for McMillen, the latter also took home Playoff MVP honours for his timely scoring for the team.

Last year’s Playoff MVP, Cam Taylor was also extremely solid throughout the Combines’ run, posting a league-best 2.59 goals against average while playing more games (nine) and more minutes (555) than any other goaltender.

Cadrin said as the championship draws to a conclusion another senior hockey season, the team is also filled with gratitude for the support of so many off the ice who make it possible for the players to perform at their best.

“We’d just really like to reach out and say ‘thank you’ to all our families and friends, and fans and sponsors, volunteers and everyone who’s helped out and assisted with the team,” he said. “There’s a lot of stuff that gets done off the ice that leads to our success on it and that really helps us out, so we appreciate everything they do for us.”

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

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