The Meota Combines look for their fourth championship in five years when they face off with the Neilburg Monarchs in a 2025 SPHL finals rematch. (Image Credit: Byron Hildebrand Photography/Facebook)

By Ryan Lambert

SPHL FINALS

Meota Combines in finals rematch against the Neilburg Monarchs

Mar 5, 2026 | 3:00 PM

After cruising through the first two rounds with a perfect 5-0 record, the Meota Combines are set for the Saskatchewan Prairie Hockey League (SPHL) finals when they face off with the Neilburg Monarchs. 

The Combines swept the Glaslyn North Stars in the first round, then took down the Langham Vikings in three games to advance to the finals. 

As the Combines look for their fourth SPHL title in five seasons, they will face off with the Neilburg Monarchs, the very team that beat Meota in the finals last year – preventing them from winning their fourth consecutive title. That means the team is heading into the series with a chip on their shoulder according to team manager Aaron Cadrin. 

“We kind of wanted just to maybe get another crack at them for that rematch, but last year was tough. That was the first time we lost in five years. So, we hadn’t felt that for a while, and they’re the reason that happened,” said Cadrin.  

“The whole off season wasn’t as fun as it has been in years past. So, we got the people we need to change that, and we’re playing the team that took our streak away from us. So hopefully we can get some revenge on that.” 

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After dealing with some injuries throughout the playoffs, the Combines seem to be just about back to normal on the health front.

“It feels like we’re really coming together. This weekend, outside of one or two guys, is probably the healthiest we’ve been all year. So that’s a good positive,” said Cadrin. 

The Combines have home ice advantage, which they look to take advantage of. 

“That’s always been a big advantage for us is playing on the big ice there at the (Access Communications) Centre, because some of the small-town barns are pretty tough to play in… Glaslyn, the Langham, Neilburg, those types of ice surfaces,” Cadrin said. “Atmosphere is obviously why home ice advantage is huge, so we’re glad we got that for games one, three, and five, and hopefully we can use that.” 

(Image Credit: sphl.ca)

While the Combines are almost at full strength and have home ice, they know not to underestimate the Monarchs. 

“They’re set up really good, they’re coached really good. They have multiple coaches and trainers and managers, so they’re pretty strategic in game. So, we’re hoping we can match the strategy and everything,” said Cadrin. 

“We just got to make sure that we’re going to implement our strategies and make sure our power play and our penalty kill and everything is organized. If we have a good structure and our guys are healthy, I think we have a really good chance.” 

Game one of the finals goes on March 6 when the Combines host the Monarchs at the Access Communications Centre. 

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com