Box Score London, ON - The Mustangs fall to the Ridgebacks in overtime, 3-2.
The Mustangs last face off against the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks in November of 2023 ended in a loss, meaning that the Mustangs are looking for a win tonight.
The Saturday afternoon game against the Ridgebacks started off with competing action which came from both teams sides. Both teams took turns dominating the play which caused many great scoring opportunities to arise. Although, neither team could capitalize throughout the beginning of the first.
The Mustangs got many strong shots on net throughout the middle of the period, which put increased pressure on the Ridgebacks goalie.
Towards the end of the first, the Ridgebacks were able to follow through on a scoring opportunity to get themselves on the scoreboard. Baie Marcantonio with assistance from Kayla Welk brought the score to 1-0 for the Ridgebacks. The Ridgebacks followed this goal up with another one with about one minute left in the period. It was Harrie Jones who ended up putting the puck in the back of the Mustangs net after a scramble. The first period came to an end with a score of 2-0.
The second twenty minutes of action started with the Mustangs full of energy as they are in need of a goal. Many scrambles at the front of the Ridgebacks net coupled with strong shots gave the team great momentum, but they still had issues following through on those chances.
The game was halfway through the second period with the score remaining 2-0 for the Ridgebacks.
Towards the end of the second, the Ridgebacks took two back to back penalties as the play gradually became more physical. This gave the Mustangs a great advantage to get one in the back of the net, which they did. Toward the end of the second power play, Elizabeth Gauthier took a rocket shot into the Ridgebacks net. The second period ended 2-1 for the Ridgebacks.
The third period began with momentum from the Mustangs after their goal late in the second. From this momentum, the Mustangs got their second of the game and tied the score up. Alyssa Wouda brought her team up on the scoreboard and the Mustangs now have a chance to take this game!
The rest of the third period was back and forth between both teams as each tried to score their third goal in hopes to take the victory.
With one minute left in the third period, there was a feeling of tension on the ice that overtime could be the end result of the last period.
The third came to an end with a tied score of 2-2. Overtime or shootout would now decide the winner of this match.
Overtime came to an end within 30 seconds as Katie Mikkelsen from the Ridgebacks puts the puck in the top shelf of the Mustangs net, ending the game at 3-2, for the Ridgebacks.
The Mustangs next game will be Thursday, January 18th, against the Guelph Gryphons at 7:00pm, in London. Be sure to check out the live action of that game at OUA.tv.
