London, ON – The Mustangs took on the Laurier Golden Hawks in what was an aggressive game tonight. Despite having a solid offensive performance, Western lost 5-2.
A fast-paced first period showed a hungry Mustangs team. Five minutes into the period, Zach Power scored the game's first goal and gave Western a 1-0 lead. The Mustangs broke out of their zone and did a quick passing sequence in front of the Golden Hawks' net before Power scored the icebreaker.
Western got the game's first powerplay opportunity. They were unable to capitalize, but they generated chances and set up nicely in the Golden Hawks zone.
Both teams were creating good chances and playing an aggressive game.
With less than 30 seconds left in the first period, Laurier found the equalizer and tied the game at one heading into the first intermission.
A Golden Hawks powerplay goal in the second period gave them a 2-1 lead.
The Mustangs were generating lots of opportunities, but some good sticks from the defenceman and impressive saves from the Laurier netminder kept it 2-1
Laurier was awarded another powerplay that the Mustangs penalty killers did an excellent job at defending. However, moments after it ended, the Golden Hawks were able to find the back of the net.
"The guys are working hard and trying to do the right things but teams seem to be opportunistic against us. We have the o-zone possession time for a minute and a half and then all of a sudden they come down and get a goal but we just need to keep battling," said Mustangs Head Coach Clarke Singer.
Mustangs started the third period with a two-man advantage for 25 seconds; they did not capitalize on the powerplay. They were awarded another powerplay just moments after and conceded a short-handed goal.
"I didn't like our special teams late in the game. We killed off 5 in a row and then let a powerplay goal in late," said Singer. "We weren't as good as we needed to be."
Andrew Bruder cut Laurier's lead in half with eight minutes left in the game. Strong puck retrieval in the offensive zone led to Bruder's goal, which he shot from just over the blue line.
Dylan Myskiw made incredible saves for Western in the third period. He was pulled with three minutes left in the game, hoping the extra man would help the Mustangs get two quick goals.
Laurier scored an empty net goal to guarantee them the win.
Western will welcome the Waterloo Warriors to Thompson Arena tomorrow night (Jan 27). The game will begin at 7 PM. Mustang fans can buy their tickets at WesternMustangs.ca/tickets. Western students get FREE admission to all regular season on-campus games with their Western ONECard.
