The Western Mustangs men's hockey team have a bit lighter schedule than earlier anticipated this week as it was announced yesterday that they will have to wait until December 16 to begin their season series with the Windsor Lancers as it was announced that Friday's game will now take place at Comerica Park as part of the Hockeytown Winter Festival.

But despite the unexpected day off, the Mustangs (2-1) will still have an opportunity to gain ground this weekend as they take on the Waterloo Warriors (2-1) at 7:00 p.m. Saturday at Thompson Arena.

Western vs. Waterloo – Saturday, October 26 at 7:00 PM – Watch Live on Mustangs TV

The Warriors are coming off a trip to the CIS University Cup last year and have started the season strong, posting wins against UOIT and Queen's before falling to Windsor 5-2 on October 18. So far Waterloo's season has looked a lot like the Mustangs with both teams squeaking out close wins to open the season, including one overtime victory each, before allowing five goals in their first loss of the season.

But the similarities in the two team's records will have to come to an end this weekend as Waterloo will have an opportunity to grab an extra two points against York on Thursday. The Mustangs, on the other hand, will now have to wait until October 31 to play their fourth game, a break that might be welcomed in preparation for their stretch of four games in 10 days to start November.  

Entering Thursday's matchup against York, Waterloo was led in scoring by first-year forward Chris Chappel, who put up two goals and two assists in the first three games of his rookie campaign. Chappel is followed closely by veteran forward Andy Smith with three assists in three games and is looking to notch his third straight season of 20 points or more. 

Whereas Chappel and Smith are the only two Warriors scoring at a point per game pace, the Mustangs have five players who contributed at least one point per game in the early season. Both Daniel Erlich and Matt Clarke are sitting at or above two points per game at 2.33 and 2.00, respectively, while Zach Harnden, Shaun Furlong, and Luke Karaim have also averaged at least 1.00 ppg.

Saturday's game is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. at Thompson Arena. Fans can watch the game live on Mustangs TV or listen in on CHRW Radio 94.9 FM