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The Mustangs are currently riding a 14-game win streak, but will be in tough against their long-time rivals from Thunder Bay, Ont.

“It’s never an easy game when we play Lakehead,” said Mustangs head coach Clarke Singer. “It’s always a battle and we’re going to have to be at the top of our game.”

The Mustangs currently sit in first place in the OUA with a 14-2 record and are ranked securely at No. 3 in the CIS rankings. Meanwhile, the Thunderwolves are third place in the OUA with a 11-3-2 record and will host to the 2010 CIS National Championships in March.

With two of the top teams in the OUA doing battle, Singer notes that his team will have to play well at all facets of the game. 

“Offence to defence, on the powerplay and penalty kill, they are all going to be keys to the game," Singer said. "Playing a tough team like Lakehead, you’re going to have your hands full but it will be a good challenge.”

Lakehead comes into the game with a bolstered roster. The team added three recruits during the break, all forwards, including Matt Caria (Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.), Matt Dias (Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.) and Ryan McDonald (Prince Albert, Sask.). 

“Lakehead was already a top team, and with their three new recruits during the break, they will springboard into a better team into the second half of the season," Singer said.

The game will feature some fresh faces for the Mustangs as well, as their regular season starts back up again after the winter break. 

The Mustangs added former USA world junior goaltender Josh Unice (Holland, Ohio) to their lineup. 

Though the addition comes at a loss, as Anthony Grieco (Brampton, Ont.), who had posted the best goaltending numbers in the CIS is going to be out indefinitely after recent surgery for a lower body injury.

“Goaltending is the key to success in any league and that’s no different here," Singer said. "Any time you can add depth to the back end like that it’s great to take advantage of.” 

Unice suited up in the past for the Ontario Hockey League’s Kitchener Rangers and Windsor Spitfires, winning OHL championships with both teams and a Memorial Cup with Windsor.

“(Josh) Unice certainly brings a lot of experience to the table, and he’ll compete for significant playing time as well,” Singer added.

The Mustangs game on Jan. 9 will be preceded by a women’s hockey game featuring Western (7-8-1) and Windsor (5-11-0) at 4 p.m. at Thompson Arena. The game also marks the annual Rock the Rink event at Thompson Arena, as any Western facualty or staff who order by Thursday Jan. 7 at noon are eligible for free admission as part of the Mustang Family Hockey Festival.

To order tickets, CLICK HERE.