CANORA - “It feels like a dream!”
A dream came true for 20-year-old Clay Sleeva of Canora when he and his Melfort Mustangs teammates won the SJHL championship on home ice with a 4-1 win over the Flin Flon Bombers in the sixth and deciding game of their league championship series on April 30.
Sports fans often get excited about their favourite team trading for a veteran player with a proven track record for a run at the championship, only to be disappointed when things don’t work out as planned.
But for the Mustangs, the plan worked out to perfection. Sleeva, who suited up for 137 game with the Yorkton Terriers, was traded to the Mustangs during the regular season just before the December trade deadline, and then helped the Mustangs capture the SJHL title by winning 12 out of 18 games in their run to the championship.
Sleeva made a big contribution to the playoff run with 20 points in 18 games, including tying for the team lead with 17 assists.
In the first round, the Mustangs defeated the Estevan Bruins in five games.
“The first series was probably the roughest one we played,” said Sleeva. “Lots of hits and physical play! Estevan gave us a run for sure and didn’t give up one bit, a tough team to play against.”
Round two was a memorable seven-game battle with the Humboldt Broncos
“Four out of the seven games went to overtime!” recalled Sleeva. “An unbelievable series, one of the best the SJHL will ever see.
“And the final series was crazy as well, We were up 3-0 and then Flin Flon got it back to 3-2. Finally in Game 6 the fellas pulled together and won it all at home.”
Sleeva said Melfort’s success was well-earned.
“Our team was successful because we knew how to battle adversity. All season long we went through injuries and suspensions, so we were used to adversity during the playoffs, probably more so than other teams. And we knew how to dig deep and get the job done.”
Even though being traded from the Yorkton Terriers, where he had played his whole SJHL career, was a big adjustment, Sleeva said he has thoroughly enjoyed his time in Melfort. Winning a championship is a great way to close out his SJHL career.
“It still feels unreal to be a part of a team like this. It’s been a lot of fun with these guys and I’m honoured to be a part of a team that will go down in history. I never ever would’ve pictured myself being an SJHL champ but all the hard work paid off.”
The Terriers obviously knew they were giving up a special player, as was indicated by Terriers Head Coach Emery Olauson at the time of the trade.
“Clay has given his heart and soul to the Terrier organization, and we are sad to see him go. However, we are excited to see him go to one of the league’s top teams in the standings this year and have a chance for a deep playoff run in his final year of junior,” said Olauson at the time of the trade on yorktonterriers.com
Sleeva got his start in Canora Minor Hockey, and still appreciates the opportunity.
“It feels unreal to have started my career in Canora playing for the Cobras and eventually moving on, but it all started at the Civic Centre with team practices or shinny or public skating. Those memories will be with me forever!
“I’d just like to thank my family, friends and coaches for being there for me through my career and making me the man and player I am today. Hopefully I can bring the Canterra Seeds Cup home to Canora for a visit.”
The SJHL championship win qualified Sleeva and the Mustangs for the Centennial Cup national championship, a 10-team competition that runs until May 19 in Oakville, Ont. He hopes to continue his hockey career next season, possibly earning offers after the Centennial Cup.
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