Box Score London, Ont. – The Western Mustangs played their lone game of the weekend Saturday night. The contest pitted the Mustangs against Waterloo Warriors.

The Mustangs had a hot start, gaining two grade-A scoring chances in the opening minute. The tables were turned quickly as Waterloo responded with scoring opportunities of their own. Both goaltenders proved to be up to the task and kept a scoreless game early.

The next few minutes were largely played in the neutral zone, with neither team being able to sustain much offensive pressure. The tide began to turn in favour of the Mustangs around the midway point of the opening period, as Western started to earn the lion's share of scoring chances.

The goalies continued to be the story of the first period, stonewalling every chance directed their way. This included a powerplay opportunity for Waterloo with just two minutes to play in the period.

As the period came to a close, both teams had put up a healthy amount of shots, with 19 for Waterloo and 16 for Western.

Western would strike first early in the second period to get the first goal on the board. A cross-ice pass found a waiting Anthony Stefano who one-timed the puck into the net. Stefano spoke about the goal after the game. 

"It was definitely something we talked about before the game. Trying to run some plays off the draw. We made a great play down the wall, and made a good pass. I was just there to hit it in."

The Mustangs did not have long to enjoy the lead, as Waterloo would answer minutes later. The goal came on a fluke-y play where a scramble in front of the net was poked home for the Warriors.

Waterloo would have a chance to extend their lead moments later when they were sent to the powerplay. Waterloo quickly converted to take their first lead of the game after a shot found its way through a screen.

From that point there would be no more scoring in the period. The deficit meant the Mustangs would need to stage a comeback in the third period to skate away with the victory.

While the Warriors built their lead on a powerplay goal, The Mustangs had the chance to tie the game early in the second on an extra-man opportunity of their own. Despite a few high-quality scoring chances, Western was unable to convert.

Waterloo nearly extended their lead about halfway into the period as a misplay behind the Western net lead to a gaping goal mouth, but the Warriors could not convert.

The two teams would battle from there with neither team being able to score. With an empty net late in the period, Western tried to tie the game to send it to overtime. They could not complete the tie and would fall 2-1. Head Coach Clark Singer spoke after the game.

"I thought we'd have a bit more bite tonight, but credit to Waterloo they're battling for a playoff spot. We try to learn every time we're together and have already made some notes moving forward. But to win in the playoffs we're going to have to be able to win at home, and have to play better than we did tonight."

The Mustangs will try to secure a home win in their last home game of the regular season next Friday night as they take on Wilfrid Laurier University.