London, ON – The Mustangs battled in a pair of games in their home opening weekend but fell to Brock & York.
Brock defeats Western, 3–1, in home opener
The Western Mustangs kicked off their home opener at Thompson Arena under new head coach Brittney Howard but fell 3–1 to the Brock Badgers in a physical and fast-paced matchup.
The Mustangs came out strong in the opening period, energized by the home crowd. Western goaltender #89 Presley Daschuk made several key saves early as Brock pushed the pace in the offensive zone. The Badgers opened the scoring at 13:46 on the power play to take a 1–0 lead. Western earned a late power play of their own and created a few good chances, but the score remained 1–0 after the first.
In the second period, the intensity continued as both teams traded scoring opportunities. Brock extended their lead to 2–0 midway through the frame on a shot from the slot. Western generated strong offensive pressure, highlighted by several quality chances during a four-minute power play, but the Badgers' goaltender held firm. Despite out shooting Brock in the period, the Mustangs trailed 2–0 heading into the third.
Western continued to push in the final period, maintaining possession and applying steady pressure in Brock's zone. The Mustangs broke through at 18:37 when #16 Janique LaBossiere found the back of the net to bring the game within one. Western kept the momentum going, drawing multiple penalties and keeping play in the offensive end, but Brock added some insurance to secure the 3–1 win.
The Mustangs showed strong effort and composure throughout the night, setting a solid tone for the early part of the season.
Guelph defeats Western 4–0 at Thompson Arena
The Mustangs wrapped up their weekend at Thompson Arena on Saturday night, falling 4–0 to the Guelph Gryphons in a fast-paced matchup.
The Mustangs came out strong in the opening period, winning the first faceoff and maintaining early possession in the offensive zone. Western generated several quality scoring chances, including a near breakaway opportunity early in the frame, but Guelph goaltender #33 Martina Fedel stood tall to keep the Mustangs off the board. Western goaltender #1 Ella Brabrook made key saves of her own, including a strong knee block midway through the period. Guelph capitalized late, however, opening the scoring at 6:36 to take a 1–0 lead after the first.
In the second period, both teams continued to push the pace. Western remained active in the offensive zone but struggled to convert, while Guelph began to take control of puck possession. The Gryphons extended their lead midway through the frame, scoring at 10:48 to make it 2–0. Brabrook made multiple key stops to keep the game within reach heading into the final period.
The third period saw Guelph widen the gap with two more goals, one early and one late in the frame, to seal the 4–0 victory. Western continued to battle and create offensive looks but couldn't find a way past Fedel, who earned the shutout.
Despite the result, the Mustangs showed resilience and effort throughout the night, particularly in the opening period when they controlled much of the play and created several promising scoring opportunities.
Next Game
The Mustangs will be on the road next week to take on the Guelph Gryphons once again on Thursday, October 24th at 7:30 p.m. Fans can watch the action live on OUA.tv
