Box Score Trois-Rivières, QC - The Mustangs secured their first win of the new year against the Patriotes, winning 6-3. An impressive four-goal third period was the critical factor in Western's victory.
The first period showed an aggressive Patriotes team, whereas the Mustangs had difficulties getting out of their own zone early on. However, Western became much more competitive as the game progressed, creating many strong breakout opportunities.
A late Mustangs powerplay led to the first goal of the evening. Christiano Aiello gave his captain, Shane Bulitka, a beautiful cross-ice pass, which he then buried into the back of the net. This gave Western a one-goal lead heading into the first intermission.
The Mustangs carried the momentum of the first period into the second period and were quick to double their lead while on the powerplay. It took Jake Gravelle just forty-six seconds to find the back of the net. Gravelle carried the puck deep into the Patriotes zone before shooting it from a tight angle and into the back of the net.
The Patriotes were awarded three powerplays in the period. However, thanks to Western's aggressive penalty killers and some incredible saves from Dylan Myskiw, the score remained 2-0 through forty minutes.
The Mustangs scored another quick goal to start the third. Andrew Bruder shot the puck from just over the blue line and past the Patriotes goalie just eighteen seconds into the third period.
Moments later, after a great save from Myskiw in one end, the Mustangs broke into the offensive zone three-on-one and scored their fourth unanswered goal. Shane Bulitka made a cross-ice pass to Reed Morison, who then scored Westenr's second goal in the opening minute of the third period.
Western's aggressive penalty kill paid off as they shorthandedly scored their fifth goal of the competition. Brett Willits stole the puck and skated the whole length of the ice before passing it off to Andrew Bruder to record his second goal of the evening.
The Patriotes scored a powerplay goal to get on the board and make the score 5-1 with more than fifteen minutes left in the game.
Christiano Aiello was next to find the back of the net on the powerplay, he gave the Mustangs a five-goal lead once again.
The Patriotes were able to score two more goals at the end of the period, although it was not enough. Westerns' huge offensive push in the third secured them two points and their first win of the new year.
The Mustangs will be back in Thompson Arena on Friday (Jan 12) and Saturday (Jan 13) to host the Nipissing Lakers in back-to-back games. The puck drop for both games will be 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.
