Nelson's Rhett Hamilton off to 2024 Centennial Cup
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Rhett Hamilton is busy preparing to play in the 2024 Centennial Cup.
Hamilton and his Melfort Mustang teammates scored three times in the final period to defeat Flin Flon Bombers 4-1 Tuesday to capture the Canterra Seeds Cup.
Melfort, finishing second overall in the SJHL behind the Bombers, won the best-of-seven Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Final 4-2.
The Championship was the fifth ever title and first for Melfort since 2016, winning the series on home ice at the Northern Lights Palace.
Hamilton, 20, started the season with Trail Smoke Eaters of the BC Hockey League.
However, before the season began, the Nelson Minor Hockey alumni and former Nelson Leafs of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League star was released by the club.
The son of Nina and Dana Hamilton quickly found a home in the SJHL, playing 40 games for the Mustangs during the regular season, finishing with seven goals and 10 assists.
Melfort opened the SJHL playoffs with a 4-1 series win over Estevan Bruins before outlasting Humboldt Broncos in seven games in the semi finals.
The Mustangs won the first three games of the SJHL Final — 9-2, 4-1 and 4-3 — before the Bombers took the next two games.
Tied 1-1 early in the third period in Game six, Melfort scored three consecutive goals — the final marker into an empty net — to secure the win and the SJHL title.
In 16 playoff games for Melfort, Hamilton scored three times and added three assists for six points.
Melfort opens the Centennial Cup on Thursday, May 9 in Oakville, Ont., against the winner of the Maritime Hockey Junior League.
Summerside Western Capitals are playing Miramichi Timberwolves in the MJHL final. Game six of the series is Thursday.
Nine Canadian Junior Hockey League champions join the host Blades in the tournament.
The final is set for May 19, 2024.
Melfort Mustangs are the 2024 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League champs. — Photo courtesy SJHL
