LONDON, Ont. - Stefan Salituro's goal at 3:49 of the second overtime period powered the Western Mustangs men's hockey team to a 5-4 victory over the Ryerson Rams on Friday night at the Thompson Arena.
 
The goal was Salituro's second of the night after the forward found the back of the net early in the third period, scoring the second of three Mustang goals in the frame. In all the Willowdale native had a fantastic start to the exhibition season, recording two goals and two assists in Western's first contest of the year.
 
Although Western opened the scoring off of a goal from newcomer Trent Ouellette, the Rams took command of the score sheet shortly there after, scoring the next three goals of the game.
 
Stephen Midensky kicked off the Ryerson attack with a goal at 6:56 of the first period before a power play goal from Alex Basso midway through the second period put the visitors ahead by one. Lucas Frose extended the Rams lead late in the period with an even strength marker to send his team into the third period with a 3-1 lead.
 
Western didn't wait long before responding in the third as Adam McKee converted assists from Trevor Warnaar and Salituro to pull within one before Salituro's goal at 5:44 of the period tied things up. Noah Schwartz put the home side in front just under 14 minutes into the period with a power play goal before the Rams Michael Fine tied the game at 4-4 with less than four minutes remaining in regulation.
 
Despite Ryerson's late goal it would be the Mustangs faithful going home happy as Salituro notched another goal in double overtime to give Western a 5-4 win.
 
Next up for the Mustangs is an exhibition contest with the Guelph Gryphons on Friday, September 19 at the Komoka Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.