LONDON, Ont. - Keaton Turkiewicz (Brantford, Ont.) netted a hat trick in Western’s 8-1 victory over the Waterloo Warriors on Oct. 29 at Thompson Arena. The Mustangs are 3-0 at home this season.

Junior Kevin Baker (Georgetown, Ont.) earned a pair for Western and the remaining goals were scored by Kyle Lamb (Port Coquitlam, B.C.), Steve Reese (Dorchester, Ont.) and Chris Corbeil (Oakville, Ont.). Aaron Lewicki (Toronto) scored the only Warriors goal.

Turkiewicz opened the contest with a goal less than two minutes into play. Warriors’ goaltender Keaton Hartigan (Kitchener, Ont.) was searching for an open teammate when Turkiewicz challenged him and stripped him of the puck, counting his fourth goal of the season.

Yashar Farmanara (West Vancouver, BC) made a cross-ice pass to Baker through the neutral zone that just squeezed through traffic. Baker streaked down the left wing, using his speed to full advantage as he beat the Waterloo defender in a foot race and wired a shot through Hartigan’s legs for Western’s second goal.

Lamb notched the Mustangs third goal, his fourth of the season, on the powerplay with three seconds left in the frame. Lamb circled high in the offensive zone looking for an open lane, banking his first shot off the Waterloo defenceman’s legs. Lamb regained possession of the puck and made his second shot count, hitting the back of the net to take a 3-0 lead heading into the second period. 

The Mustangs showed no sign of slowing down as the second frame began. Western attacked the offensive zone full tilt and defenceman Ryan Fletcher (London, Ont.) held the puck at the blueline until a screen was set in front of Hartigan. Fletcher released a shot at the net and Reese tipped the puck in while planted perfectly in front of Hartigan. 

Mustangs defenceman Brock Turner (Brandon, Man.) jumped into play on an offensive attack, wiring an open rebound back on net. The puck deflected past Hartigan and Corbeil was credited for the goal. 

Turkiewicz netted his second goal of the game with patience and ease as he slammed on the brakes to the left of the net and waited for the rushing crowd to clear from net. Turkiwicz squeezed a quick shot between the post and Hartigan’s shoulder, bringing Western to a 6-0 lead to finish the second period.

Less than five minutes into the final frame, the Mustangs momentum continued as Baker skated towards the opposing net and lifted a backhand over Hartigan’s shoulder for Baker’s second goal of the game. 

Just over one minute later, the Mustangs turned the puck over to the Warriors deep in their own end and an unexpected shot by Lewicki snuck past netminder Anthony Grieco (Brampton, Ont.).

Grieco has been key to Western’s 6-0-1 record, turning aside 31 shots this game and improving his own record to one shutout and only allowing 13 goals in 7 games.

Turkiewicz sealed a hat trick after being left all alone in the slot, wiring a shot past Hartigan for a final score of 8-1 in favour of the Mustangs.

Western will travel to York (3-4-0) on Nov. 4 for a 7 p.m. contest.