The SJHL/MJHL Showcase event in Regina, which started Monday, is meant to highlight some of the top players from across both leagues. Monday afternoon, fans got to see the talent on display in the second game of the day, as Team Mitchell from the SJHL came out firing. They beat the MJHL’s Team Zajac 8-5 in a barnburner.

The SJHL started things off with a goal from Melfort’s Justin Ball in the first period. His goal was assisted by his regular linemates Carson Albrecht and Tanner Zentner, and the league’s leading scorer game the SJHL the early edge.

It was followed up by a goal from La Ronge’s Antonio Di Paolo with just over five minutes remaining in the first period. Notre Dame’s Marshall Wilton and Estevan’s Will Koop provided the assists on the goal.

It didn’t take long after the second period started for the team from Manitoba to get going. It began with a goal from Boedy Vaeth, who plays with the Steinbach Pistons. The goal was followed up with a tying goal courtesy of Swan Valley’s Kasyn Kruse just past the middle frame’s three minute mark.

The SJHL wasn’t quite ready to give up the lead, though. With 14:06 left on the clock in the period, Albrecht found the back of the net behind Team Zajac goaltender Merek Pipes, formerly of the La Ronge Ice Wolves, but now playing with Swan Valley. Albrecht’s teammate Ball was credited with an assist on the goal, as was Blake Kleiner, who plays with the Kindersley Klippers.

Then, the SJHL added to the lead as a pair of former teammates reconnected. Weyburn Red Wings forward Ben Hiltz scored on Pipes, assisted by former Red Wings captain Cade Kowalski, who is now with the Flin Flon Bombers. Di Paolo also assisted on the goal.

Team Mitchell then extended the lead to three goals just three minutes after the Hiltz tally when Notre Dame’s Charles Martin scored a short handed goal, assisted by Koop, and Yorkton’s Cody Bruchkowski.

The MJHL would cut the deficit back to two goals before the period was over. With just 13 seconds remaining, Steinbach’s Tristan Culleton managed to get the puck past Team Mitchell goalie Shawn Parkinson from the Melfort Mustangs.

After a six goal second period, the two teams were ready to try to do it all over again in the third.

Albrecht scored his second goal of the game just three minutes in, again assisted by Ball. The second assist on the goal was credited to Yorkton’s Brendan Mark.

With the MJHL finding themselves again down by three goals, Brendan Arnold from the Dauphin Kings scored on Parkinson, making it a 6-4 game with just over 15 minutes remaining in the third period.

The SJHL kept buzzing, and it would be Kleiner who added to the lead at th e7:09 mark of the period. His goal was assisted by Kindersley Klippers teammate Ty Enns and Mark.

It would become a four goal lead moments later when Ball scored his second goal of the game. His tally was assisted by Albrecht.

The Manitoba squad wasn't ready to give up just year. With just over seven and a half minutes to go in the third period, Josh Tripp, who skates with the Swan Valley Stampeders, scored an unassisted shorthanded goal. It would be the last goal Parkinson would let past him in the game, as Team Mitchell hung on for the win.

Tuesday, Team Mitchell will be taking on Team Belfour from the MJHL, while Team Zajac takes the ice against Team Kunitz from the SJHL in the final game of the showcase.