An excellent start propelled the Melfort Mustangs to their fourth straight win to open the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season as they knocked off the Humboldt Broncos 2-1 on Sept. 22 in Humboldt.
The Mustangs grabbed a 2-0 lead in the first period as Jaxon Joseph and Carson Albrecht found the back of the net and they never looked back.
Logan Schatz answered with a goal in the second, but Mustangs starting goaltender Evan Plotnik was solid down the stretch turning aside all Broncos shots in the late going to preserve the win.
In total Plotnik kicked aside 20 of the 21 shots he faced as the Mustangs outshot the Broncos 24-21.
With the Broncos managing just 21 shots, Trevor Blevins, the Mustangs’ head coach, noted it was a pretty good defensive effort for the Mustangs but added there were still some breakdowns they need to fix.
“I thought we had a little trouble with Humboldt’s cycle in the corners, we got chasing a little bit and they had some offensive zone time and they’re a good team. You give them their time and space, they’re going to take advantage.”
Blevins was also quick to note that when the Mustangs did have a breakdown Plotnik was there.
“We’re going to need him to make those saves at those times and he played great that night.”
Adam Hergott led the way offensively for the Mustangs as he chipped in with an assist on each of the Mustangs’ two goals.
The win moved the Mustangs’ record to 4-0 on the season, and pushed them into sole possession of first place in the SJHL standings.
The Mustangs now face a busy week as they play a pair of SJHL Showcase games in Saskatoon.
Their first contest will see them take on the Notre Dame Hounds on Sept. 26, before playing the final game of the showcase on Sept. 27.
Heading into the contest with the Hounds, Blevins noted it will be important for the players to be ready right from the get-go, noting the Hounds are always one of the hardest working teams in the league.
“We’ve got to make sure we have a good start on the physicality and make sure we play with an edge to combat that. Like any team in this league you come out a little soft, you’re going to pay the price.”
Thanks to their excellent week, Mustangs defenseman Loch Morrison was named SJHL defenseman of the week.
The 20-year-old Prince Albert native, concluded his first week of SJHL play with a goal and three assists for four points in four games.
Blevins has been beyond impressed with Morrison thus far this season, noting he has been phenomenal, and has exceeded his expectations, not just on the ice but off it as well.
“He’s a guy that’s got that pro mentality, how he prepares and how he conducts himself. He’s just a humble player, humble individual with great character and a good leader and we’re very fortunate that he picked us for this year.”
