London, ON- Mustangs defeated the Gryphons 5-4 on the road tonight in Guelph, pulling out the win just 40 seconds into overtime. Western had a strong showing, with Jake Gravelle recording a 4 point night, Shane Bulitka and Franco Sproviero earning 3 points each, and Jack McNaughton making 26 saves.

Guelph took a penalty quick off the draw in the first, to give the Mustangs scoring opportunities and confidence early in the period. However, it took 9 minutes before Sean Montgomery opened the scoring to put the Mustangs on the board with a highlight reel goal. Western came down on a 3-on-1, and Mathew Macdougall shot it off the crossbar. The puck bounced up into the air and Montgomery batted it into the net to get his 11th of the season.

Western was almost able to escape the first period up 1-0, but with just 20 seconds remaining, but scored off a rebound to tie it 1-1 going into the first flood. 

The second period saw lots of special teams and scoring action- with nine penalties and four goals recorded from both sides. Guelph struck first 11 minutes into the second, to take a 2-1 lead. However, this lead didn't last long with Western attacking right off the faceoff and Shane Bulitka driving toward the night and putting one past Guelph's Cregan. The Mustangs weren't done yet. Just a minute later on the powerplay, Sproviero scored off a give and go with Bulitka to take a 3-2 lead with 8 minutes remaining in the second.

Three minutes after taking the lead, Sproviero went to work again, bringing it into the Guelph zone and getting a shot on net. Loose in the crease, Jake Gravelle was able to put it in, giving the Mustangs a 2 goal lead late in the second. This lead would carry through, making it 4-2 Mustangs with just 20 minutes remaining.

The third period saw lots of back and forth action, with Guelph trying to get on the board, but was struggling to break through Western's defense. With just under 8 minutes remaining, Guelph's Poirier scored, making this a one goal game. This goal put the Mustangs on their toes and gave the Gryphon's momentum to go out and tie it.

With just under a minute left in the third, Western was unable to clear it out of their end, with Nathan Allenson getting the puck in the high slot. Leading everyone to think he was shooting, Allenson slid it over to Tabak to tie the game with 50 seconds remaining. After one last Mustangs push came up short, this game would need more time to be decided.

The overtime period was done in a flash. Guelph gained possession and came barrelling into the Mustangs end on a 3-on-2. Western forced a turnover and Jake Gravelle and Shane Bulitka took off toward the Guelph net on a 2-on-0. Gravelle slid it over to Bulitka for him to net his fourth of the season and second of the game to cement the win for the Mustangs. This was a must-win game as it kept Guelph from passing Western in the standings.

Western returns home for their first home game of 2023 on January 13th. Western will take on the York Lions for their last matchup of the season. Puck-drop is at 7pm at Thompson Arena.