The Mustangs are set to return to the ice this week as they look to climb up the standings and improve on their 6-9-2 record that sees them sitting in eighth place in the OUA West heading into the 2017 portion of their schedule.
 
A seven-game losing streak has marred the season to this point, though take out that bad stretch and you find a 4-2 start and a 2-2 finish. It is clear the talent is there; the key to the second half will be consistency.
 
Western has struggled defensively so far, allowing the fourth most goals per game in the OUA with 61. Veteran Greg Dodds has posted a solid .909 save percentage and 3.06 GAA to lead the Mustangs netminders in both categories.
 
On the offensive side, the Mustangs have recorded the fourth most shots in the OUA at 34.6 per game, but have not managed to capitalize on those opportunities with only 41 goals.
 
Luke Karaim leads the team with six goals and 11 points, while defenceman Jonathan Laser has contributed from the back end with a team high seven assists.
 
Western vs. York – Friday, January 6 at 7:00 P.M. – Tune in live on OUA.tv and CHRW Radio 94.9 FM
 
Western opens the season against a tough opponent in York. The Lions currently rank second in the OUA West Division with 24 points, and have won four of their last five games.
 
York has proven to be extremely strong in net so far. Both of their goaltenders rank in the top five in goals against average, with Mack Shields second at 1.93 and Alex Fotinos fifth at 2.25.
 
Meanwhile, defenceman Derek Sheppard has been dangerous through the first half of the season, recording 15 assists. That is good for fifth overall in the OUA, and second amongst defencemen.
 
It will be important for Western to come out of the gates strong at home to start to build momentum for the second half against a tough York team.