Thunder Bay, ON- The Mustangs had a full sixty-minute effort on Friday night against the Lakehead Thunderwolves but, in the end, could not come out on top, losing 3-2 in Thunder Bay.
It was a back-and-forth first period, with both teams coming out strong. The Thunderwolves found the icebreaker, although it was a very evenly matched period with action going end to end.
Western showed a complete team effort in the second period, with goaltender Dylan Myskiw making some incredible saves and the team outshooting the Thunderwolves 12-9. The Mustangs were producing countless scoring opportunities, and it was only a matter of time before they found the back of the net.
After fifteen minutes of scoreless play, Owen Saye found the equalizer, with Jake Gravelle and Zach Power picking up the assists. This was Western's first goal of the evening and the first goal of Saye's OUA career.
Western saw their first powerplay late in the second and started the third period with the man advantage, although they were unable to capitalize. Lakeheads momentum from killing the penalty successfully led to their second goal of the game.
Halfway through the third, and shortly after the Thunderwolves made it 3-1, the Mustang's pressure caused Lakehead to make a poor clearing attempt. This allowed Western defenceman Noah Danielson, who came flying off the bench into open ice, to get his first of the season and put his team back within one.
Mustangs pulled their goaltender, hoping the man advantage would allow them to find that tying goal. Unfortunately, the push came too late into the period, and Western could not beat Lakehead netminder Christian Cicigoi a third time tonight.
Western will play the Lakehead once again tomorrow night in Thunder Bay. The game is on Saturday (Nov 4) at 7:00 pm. Mustangs fans can watch the action on OUA.tv.
