Playing for 60 minutes on back-to-back nights while traveling in between is a tough challenge for hockey teams, and the Mustangs showed that this past weekend.
The Mustangs men’s hockey team had a mixed bag of results this weekend, winning against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues 3-1 on Friday but losing to the University of Windsor Lancers 4-0 on Saturday night.
In their first game, the Mustangs held their ground against the Varsity Blues.
The game started slowly, with not much happening in the first period. Instead of scoring, both teams struggled to find open ice, leading to Western University only managing four shots on net.
However, things picked up in the second period as the team started to find their rhythm.
Just over a minute into that frame, second-year forward Nicholas Yearwood scored his third goal of the season with an assist from fourth-year forward Zach Power.
The Mustangs played well during this period. They made quick passes, created numerous scoring chances and received strong performances from their fourth-year goaltender Jack Mc Naughton, who saved 23 out of 24 shots throughout the game.
“During the game, I kinda break down each period by five-minute segments, to try and stay fresh in between those five minutes,” said Mc Naughton. “We practise our systems specifically for those teams, so it helps get those reps.”
As the period neared its end, both teams took penalties which opened up some space on the ice.
The Blues took advantage of this opportunity and equalized with a breakaway goal from third-year forward Eddie Yan.
Heading into the third period, both teams were tied at one goal each making it anyone’s game.
After killing off a tripping penalty early in the third period, momentum shifted towards the Mustangs. Fourth-year defenceman and assistant captain Drew Wawrow found the net with his second goal of the season with just under three minutes remaining.
“It always feels good to score, but for the team it was huge,” said Wawrow. “We’re battling; every point matters. And it was a big one at the end of the game.”
Western added another goal when Power contributed again during a power play.
At that point in time, victory was secured as they earned two crucial points in Ontario University Athletics West Conference standings.
Afterward, head coach Clarke Singer praised his goaltender’s outstanding performance.
“I have to mention Jack Mc Naughton, our goaltender played great,” said Singer. “You know when you give up one goal in an OUA game regardless of how good your team plays defensively your goalie is one of the best players on the ice.”
On Saturday night , the Mustangs traveled to Windsor to face off against Lancers.
Western found themselves trailing 1-0 by end of first round after Lancers opened scoring via unexpected shorthanded shot.
The competition remained tight throughout second frame however ultimately Windsor broke loose during final round adding three goals.
This result marked a disappointing conclusion ending four-game win streak previously established before December break.
Following these games Mustang’s current record stands at 9-10 placing them eighth within West Conference.
Next week brings another set facing Waterloo Warriors January twenty-third followed by Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks January twenty-fourth ; puck drops are scheduled respectively for seven pm & seven thirty pm.
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