The Melfort Mustangs put forth a solid bounce back performance and knocked off the La Ronge Ice Wolves 6-0 in Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League action on home ice.
Two nights after being routed 7-1 by the Weyburn Red Wings, the Mustangs allowed just 18 total shots against the Ice Wolves during the Oct. 26 game, which was great to see, noted Trevor Blevins, the head coach.
“We had a really strong back check… we just did a great job in the d-zone too.”
The Mustangs jumped out of the gate hard, scoring twice in the first period as Andrew Thompson and Reed Gunville both scored in the first six minutes to give the Mustangs a 2-0 lead after the first period.
The solid play from the Mustangs continued in the second as Justin Ball scored his sixth of the season, to extend the Mustangs’ lead to 3-0 after two.
In the final period, the Mustangs added three more goals as Drew Warkentine scored his first two goals as a Mustang and Carson Albrecht scored his sixth of the year to give the Mustangs a 6-0 win.
After not bringing their best effort two nights prior, and being routed, Blevins was pleased with the Mustangs’ response against the Ice Wolves.
“We had a nice strong start and we were rewarded somewhat... I really thought we took a deep breath and played really hard in the second… it was a game where we needed that bounce back but also some confidence too to get some pucks to the net, it was nice to see.”
Hunter Arps picked up the win in the Mustangs cage, turning aside all 18 shots he faced to pick up his first career SJHL shutout as the Mustangs outshot the Ice Wolves 55-18.
After giving up nine power plays in the game against the Red Wings, the Mustangs took just one minor penalty and gave up no power plays against, which was great to see, said Blevins.
“I think we had the puck for the majority of the time so it’s harder to take penalties. We did a great job of getting it back and played a hard full game.”
The Mustangs enjoyed five full days off, before they return to action on Nov. 1, when they visit the Flin Flon Bombers.
Blevins noted the Bombers present a significant challenge for the Mustangs, and noted they have always been a strong home team.
“We need to be ready. They’re going to be ready for us obviously, same as every team has done. And we need to make sure we have a strong start on the road and look after what we need to do as far as our forecheck and being physical.”
