LONDON, ON – The Western Mustangs defeated the Waterloo Warriors 5-2 in the Friday night face-off. The Mustangs dominated the majority of play through long stints of puck possession in the offensive zone and clutch defense which kept Waterloo off the board until late.
 
Western proved to be the offensive difference maker in this game. Unlike the 47 shot, 1 goal outing in Windsor last week, the team's shots made their way past the Waterloo goaltender.
 
"I feel like the first two games we've been playing solid and getting opportunities, we just haven't found the back of the net as much as we wanted too, today was kind of that of day where the flood gates opened." said Ethan Szypula, who managed to score twice tonight.
 
Assistant Coach Patrick Ouellet agreed "We lost in Windsor, but we controlled most of play and guys carried that momentum into tonight, we had a good start, and scoring first always helps in leading the play."
 
The Mustangs played a team game tonight and managed to capitalize on mistakes made by the Warriors which led to 2 separate 2-on-1s featuring Szypula and line-mate Franco Sproverio on both occasions.
 
The pair contributed early and often, at even strength and on the powerplay, which is a recipe for success. With these two itching to hop into a rush play it requires a strong trust in the centreman, which Shane Bulitka provided in spades.
 
"He's a very Responsible centreman, that's something we need too, he holds Sproviero and I down, and he's got a lot of skill. He's been great in that spot and great in the room." said Szypula on the chemistry that's growing between himself and linemates.
 
Team defense was also critical in this win because once you hold a multi-goal lead the opposing team is desperate to score and change momentum. The team took some penalties at unfortunate times but were able to kill it off, in large part to goaltender David Ovsjannikov.
 
"Lets not forget about O.V.'s big save in the second period, that would've been a 3-2 game if he doesn't make that save and that was a big momentum changer for us. Your best penalty killer has to be your goalie and he was that tonight." said Oullet.
 
All of the Mustangs lines were rolling tonight, offensively and defensively, Kyle Petit made some important blocks late in the third. The team played as a unit and was consistently one foot ahead of the Warriors on this occasion.
 
Western heads to Guelph for their fourth game of the season Saturday, November 13 at 7pm and looks to add another in the win column.