London, ON - The Mustangs Men's Hockey team booked their spot in the 2025 OUA playoffs with a 4-2 win over Laurier on Sunday afternoon.
As soon as the first period started, the Mustangs were immediately all over the Golden Hawks defensive line. Andrew Bruder was able to open up the scoring for the Mustangs a minute and 34 seconds into the commencement of the game, assisted by Jacob Dietz and Lawson Sherk.
Western was able to keep their scoring streak with a goal from defenceman Jake Gravelle at 5:27, assisted by Lawson Sherk and Franco Sproviero.
Although the Golden Hawks tried to gain puck possession, the Mustangs were extremely dominant and aggressive, and at 9:36, Captain Shane Bulitka was able to score the Mustangs third goal of the period, assisted by Lawson Sherk and Jack Sander.
Bulitka's goal was Sherk's third assist of the game. 19 minutes into the first period, the Golden Hawks were able to score their first of the game, bringing the score after the first 20 minutes 3-1 for the Mustangs.
To open up the second period, the Golden Hawks were immediately more aggressive when it came to puck possession, with the Mustangs fighting hard to keep their two goal lead. Goaltender Matteo Drobac was able to shut down shots on goal that the Golden Hawks took. The Golden Hawks were able to lessen the Mustangs lead halfway through the second period bringing the score to 3-2. With 33 seconds left, Franco Sproviero was able to get a goal for the Mustangs, assisted by Jack York to finish the second period 4-2 for the Mustangs.
Captain Shane Bulitka stated that the team has "been playing some of our best hockey, so we should have a lot of momentum" going into the next two games.
The third period saw a lot of back and forth for both teams trying to gain dominance. The Mustangs created multiple opportunities for themselves in order to get another goal, but they were unsuccessful. The third period went scoreless, leaving the score at 4-2 in favour of the Western Mustangs. Assistant Coach Wade Russell stated that "the win was very important for us as the win clinched us the playoff spot."
GAME STATS
FIRST PERIOD:
Andrew Bruder (#43) assisted by Jacob Dietz (#6) and Lawson Sherk (#39) at 1:34
Jake Gravelle (#57) assisted by Lawson Sherk (#39) and Franco Sproviero (#26) at 5:27
Shane Bulitka (#11) assisted by Lawson Sherk (#39) and Jack Sander (#41) at 9:36
SECOND PERIOD:
Franco Sproviero (#26) assisted by Jack York (#10) at 19:27
NEXT GAME
The Mustangs take on the Lakehead on Friday February 14th, its the School Day game that will see over 1000 elementary school students from London and area converge on Thompson Arena for an 11:00 am start.
