The SJHL season gets underway this weekend, and there’s no shortage of questions heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
The defending-champion Flin Flon Bombers sit at the top of the SportsCage SJHL preseason rankings after winning their first Canterra Seeds Cup since 1993.
Flin Flon has plenty of firepower returning, including Leo Seitz, Landon Alexander and Jack Martin, while Nash Holmes and Kyle Marsden lead a strong group on the back end. The biggest question could be in goal, depending on whether 18-year-old Finn Werner returns from the WHL. The Bombers will also have a new coach and GM in Cole McCaig after Mike Reagan's lengthy tenure behind the bench.
At number two, the Battlefords North Stars are coming off a run to the league semifinal and return plenty of important pieces, including Owen Dyck, Finlay Klippenstein and Lincoln Fisher. Expectations remain high under coach and GM Connor Logan, the reigning SJHL coach of the year.
The Nipawin Hawks are third and may have the deepest group down the middle in the league. Mason Karakochuk is the leading returning scorer, while Gage Roberts gives the Hawks one of the league's top goaltenders. The addition of Brock Evans adds even more experience up front.
Yorkton is fourth after reaching the Canterra Seeds Cup Final last season. The Terriers lost a significant amount of offence, but Tommy Ries and Callum Creig give them two premier returning players, while DJ Brass and newcomers such as Mathys Morrissette could provide an offensive boost. The Terriers reached the league final for the first time since 2014.
Humboldt checks in fifth. The Broncos expect major contributions from returning forwards like Connor Miller and Oliver Phillips and an experienced blue line, and stability in goal. They will be looking to get back into the playoffs after missing out last season.
Weyburn is sixth, with Callas Pearce and Aidan Mohan leading the forward group and Nate Stevens returning between the pipes. New additions Jace Harder, Hayden Iron Shirt and Nash Nicolay could help replace some of the offence that departed.
The Melville Millionaires are seventh, but this could be one of the more intriguing teams in the league. Kale Margolis and Rylan Oatman are among the top returning scorers, while Louis Nadeau leads an experienced defence. Cole Brown and Hudson Closson add more skill up front, and the Mils could take a significant step forward.
Melfort lands eighth. The Mustangs are no longer defending champions, but veterans Tristin Ziola and newcomer Luke Dekay give them experience, while rookie defenceman Eric Grandberg is another name to watch.
Kindersley is ninth after losing its top two scorers, but the Klippers made a major move by acquiring Konnor Watson. Cam and Cobe Perlinger provide continuity, while Mattias Radke takes over as the team's top goaltender.
Estevan is tenth. The Bruins lost plenty of offence, including Ewan Rennie, Cash Olson and Rylan Williams, but return a solid defensive group led by captain Aidan Laing and have Dylan Adams back in goal. Nathaniel Harvey and Steven Steranka will be counted on to provide offence.
Warman is 11th after finishing 11th in its first season following the move from Notre Dame. The Wolverines have a strong group of returning forwards and some intriguing young talent, but scoring will need to improve.
And finally, La Ronge sits 12th. The Ice Wolves have a new leadership group with Taylor Harnett taking over as coach and SJHL Hall of Famer Bob Beatty serving as GM. Ryder McKinnon and Grayden Perozni lead the returning group, while William Knox is one player who could take a major step forward.
The season opens Friday with five games on the schedule, including Flin Flon visiting La Ronge, Nipawin at Melfort, and Melville travelling to Weyburn, Humboldt in Warman and Battlefords hosting Kindersley.
